I’m back on the AP Top 25 panel for Illinois — and this time, I’m dropping my own Top 40 countdown before the official preseason poll. This week: James Madison, led by new coach Bob Chesney, who’s already drawing comparisons to Curt Cignetti — and UCLA’s Nico Iamaleava, primed to breakout with a fresh coaching staff and a soft schedule. If UCLA stays hot, they’ll challenge Oregon at Autzen in October — a must-watch test for the new regime.

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UCLA football is poised for a seismic shift under new head coach Bob Chesney, and their first true test? Taking down powerhouse rival USC. A win wouldn’t just be about bragging rights—it could derail USC’s playoff dreams and signal UCLA’s arrival as a legit contender. With a completely rebuilt roster, fresh faces at receiver, a revamped offensive line, and QB Nico Iamaleava back to prove his Big Ten worth, this new-look team is loaded for impact. Backed by a defense brought in from James Madison and stars like Wayne Knight and Landon Ellis, UCLA’s first-year showdown with USC might just be the moment everything changes in Westwood.

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The Badgers are primed for a big showdown against UCLA in 2026, coming off a bye and a win over Michigan State, while UCLA enters under new head coach Bob Chesney — a playoff-tested tactician who’s already revamping the roster with key transfers like Leland Smith and Sahir West. Despite last year’s 3-9 collapse and losing stars like Kwazi Gilmer and Anthony Jones Jr., UCLA’s new direction could spark a turnaround — but can they overcome the offensive void left by Gilmer’s departure and match Wisconsin’s momentum?

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UCLA’s defense is getting a major overhaul as they aim to bounce back from a dismal 3-win season. New coach Bob Chesney and defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler have hit the transfer portal hard, bringing in three game-changers: sack machine Sahir West from James Madison, speedster linebacker Sammy Omosigho from Oklahoma, and coverage specialist DJ Barksdale — all poised to fix UCLA’s biggest weaknesses and turn the tide for the Bruins.

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Happy 4th of July! - A message of Corey

Rodrick Pleasant is poised for a breakout season at UCLA, where he’ll start alongside Scooter Jackson in a revamped defense under new coaches Bob Chesney and Colin Hitschler. A highly-touted recruit with elite speed and track prowess, Pleasant bounced back from limited playing time at Oregon by dominating his first year in Westwood, earning All-Big Ten honorable mention. Now, with a defensive scheme tailored to his strengths, he’s primed to shine — and possibly earn NFL draft consideration.

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