UCLA’s Chesney Dismisses Rankings as Bruins Eye Historic Playoff Run

UCLA football has returned to national prominence, sitting at 8-0 following a dominant 27-0 shutout of Nevada. The Bruins now occupy the No. 5 spot in the AP poll — their highest ranking since the 2001 season under Bob Toledo.

First-year head coach Bob Chesney has guided the program to its first bowl appearance since 2023 and positioned the Bruins for a potential inaugural College Football Playoff berth. Appearing Monday on ESPN’s “Big Day” with Peter Schrager, Chesney offered a blunt assessment of the team’s lofty standing.

“The ranking tells us where we’ve been; I’m more interested in where we’re going,” Chesney said.

The Bruins are excelling across all three phases. UCLA’s defense has emerged as a Big Ten elite unit, ranking third in the conference and earning the moniker “Bruin Bullies.” Defensive coordinator Colin Hitscher, who accompanied Chesney from James Madison — where the Dukes reached the Playoff last year — has overseen a transformation. The unit surrenders just 13.4 points per game and hasn’t allowed more than a single touchdown at home since mid-September.

Offensively, UCLA has navigated the season-ending knee injury to quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Calabasas native Ty Dieffenbach has assumed control, passing for 683 yards with three touchdowns against one interception. The ground game remains the engine, leading the Big Ten at 219.5 yards per game with 25 rushing scores. Senior back Wayne Knight, another Chesney holdover from James Madison, paces the attack with 680 yards and 12 touchdowns on 110 carries.

Four games remain on the schedule, including a trip to Michigan’s “Big House” and a regular-season finale against crosstown rival USC. A clean sweep would secure a Playoff spot and could push the Bruins even higher in the rankings.

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