Dec 9, 2025; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Bob Chesney is introduced as UCLA Bruins football coach at press conference at Renee Luskin Conference Center Centennial Ballroom. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Why UCLA's Path Looks Eerily Similar to Indiana's

Originally posted on UCLA Bruins on SI
By Andrew L. Ferguson Jr | Last updated Dec 18, 2025 12:00 PM ET

After hiring Bob Chesney, it looks like the Bruins are on a very similar path as the No. 1 team in college football, Indiana.

At first glance, the most obvious similarity between Curt Cignetti and Bob Chesney is that both built their résumés at James Madison—and to be fair, that alone is a significant connection. But a closer look reveals that the parallels run much deeper.

Similarities

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When comparing the two programs, it is only fair to begin with the 2023 season, before Indiana hired Curt Cignetti. Like UCLA, Indiana finished 3–9 that year, a level of underperformance that underscored the need for a proven winner as the program entered the Big Ten era.

Another key similarity it that both the Bruins and Hoosiers had a running back with less that 400 yards during the season. This season UCLA's Jalen Berger only had 364 rushing, while in 2023 for the Hoosiers, Trent Howland only had 354 rushing yards.

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While Nico Iamaleava had a better season overall than Indiana QB Brendan Sorsby, both quarterbacks would pass for under 2,000 passing yards. Both quarterbacks also had four rushing touchdowns during the season.

Why These Similarities Matter?

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The reason these similarities are so important is that the script has already been played out before. Bob Chesney knows what he is doing as the head coach, and with the path already paved, UCLA should have a great first season with him at the helm.

Both programs entered their coaching hires facing remarkably similar roster deficiencies. UCLA, however, holds a clear advantage over Indiana in 2023, largely because of its status as a national recruiting power. Chesney firmly believes that UCLA will win big in this year's transfer portal.

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The run game for example, was on of Cignetti's biggest emphaisis heading into 2024. In his first season as Indiana's head coach, the Hoosiers would rush for 2,146 yards as well as 37 rushing touchdowns. Fixing this part of their game was essential for the Hoosiers' complete 180.

UCLA finds itself in a situation similar to Indiana’s in 2023, particularly when it comes to the lack of a consistent running game.. And it was clear from Bob Chesney's time at JMU that the run game will most likely be a part of UCLA's offensive identity, especially with Dean Kennedy taking over as the Bruins' offensive coordinator.

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The future in Westwood has never looked brighter for the Bruins. With the signing of Bob Chesney the Bruins have found themselves a winner, if you don't believe me, Google him.

This article first appeared on UCLA Bruins on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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