UCLA’s Bob Chesney Praises Nico Iamaleava’s Leadership Amid Adversity Last Season
Nico Iamaleava will be back as UCLA’s starting quarterback this season. He has a chance to make a name for himself in the NCAA after battling through an adversity-filled 2025 season. May 2, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) throws the ball during the spring game at Rose Bowl.
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images UCLA head coach Bob Chesney is going into his first season with the Bruins. Chesney led James Madison to its first College Football Playoff berth last season and will look to do the same with UCLA in 2026. In an interview on “The Jim Rome Show”, Chesney highlighted Iamaleava’s versatility as a big strength ahead of the 2026 season.
“This kid could do it all,” Chesney said. “He can push the ball vertically down the field. When it’s time to pull the ball down and run he is as electric as any quarterback right now in college football.
” "He is as electric as any quarterback right now in college football. @CoachBobChesney on @UCLAFootball QB Nico Iamaleava. pic.
twitter. com/8vZM0haGxJ — Jim Rome (@jimrome) May 1, 2026 Iamaleava Is A Leader For the Bruins Chesney also revealed that Iamaleava’s teammates view him as a strong leader. Chesney said UCLA recently held a “leadership vote”, and Iamaleava was the clear frontrunner among his teammates.