Bob Chesney he didn't have to look far to get his most important player.
He was already on campus.
Niko Yamaleava agreed to return to UCLA next season, giving the Bruins a top-tier quarterback as part of their new coach's bid for a quick turnaround after a 3-9 season under his predecessor and interim coach.
Yamaleava announced his intentions on Instagram, posting a video with the caption: “NO PLACE LIKE HOME. Back with my brothers. Same vision. Same goals. Same work. Locked up. Time to work!”
The potential benefits go beyond Yamaleava's improved NFL draft pick thanks to a strong season. Another major benefit could be the reputation boost that comes with staying put after Yamaleawa left Tennessee during spring training in 2025 following an emotionally charged altercation with the Volunteers that drew widespread criticism.
Staying on the Bruin roster would also allow the redshirt junior to spend at least one more season on the same team as his brother Madden, who will be a redshirt freshman quarterback after starting late in one game last season.
None of UCLA's problems in 2025 can be blamed on its starting quarterback. Constantly under pressure with passes that met little resistance from his offensive line, Yamaleava was his team's best passer. And Rusher despite being sacked 27 times.
Yamaleava accounted for 17 of his team's 24 touchdowns and led the Bruins with 10 plays of 20 or more yards, all of which came on the ground. While he wasn't a prolific passer—his 255 yards through the air during a furious comeback against Nevada in Las Vegas was a season high—Yamaleawa's ability to create big plays with his hands and feet posed a huge problem for opposing defenses.
Yamaleawa's passing accuracy has improved slightly since his final season at Tennessee, where he helped the Volunteers reach the College Football Playoff. In his first season as a Bruin after returning home, in part to be closer to his family in Long Beach, Yamaleawa completed 64.4 percent of his passes for 1,928 yards and 13 touchdowns with seven interceptions.
Whether he was getting out of the pocket or running on a pre-planned quarterback run, the hardest thing to stop Yamaleawa was when he crossed his legs and pushed off. He led the team with 505 yards and four touchdowns on 112 carries, including 128 yards and three touchdowns in a win over then-No. 7 Pennsylvania.
Equally important was the leadership of the player, who steadfastly faced the media after defeats and challenged others. At the team's 0-4 start, Yamaleawa told his teammates they could leave if they didn't want to stay and help turn things around. No one did, and the team won the next three games.
For now, Yamaleava remains in place, giving his coach a huge building block as part of his efforts to build a strong foundation.
