If Chesney can do all that, then why can’t he turn Nico Iamaleava into a Heisman Trophy-level quarterback? Mirjam Swanson made that argument for the Los Angeles Times on Friday.
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There were a few games last season where Iamaleava looked like a star. It was just hard to spot because of UCLA’s problems almost everywhere else. After losing to UNLV and New Mexico in the first three games of the season, there was no way to salvage a disastrous season, but Iamaleava still battled back and even put together a quick three-game winning streak during conference play.
Iamaleava was a mega recruit for Tennessee and his first year with Tennessee as a starter was solid, but his subsequent departure soured a lot of people on the 6’6″ quarterback. The Volunteers’ departure made it easier for people to root for Iamaleava as UCLA struggles. This year, with a new and successful head coach, could Iamaleava prove to be one of the best quarterbacks in the country?
“Consider the unprecedented heights to which Chesney took little James Madison, and think of the places he can go with a junior QB whose trajectory led him to Heisman Trophy hopes before the turbulence hit,” Swanson wrote. “UCLA – 3-9 last season and with just two bowl appearances in eight years – isn’t anyone’s idea of a shortcut back to glory. But there’s this: The Bruins really seem to have some Ted Lasso energy these days. A can-do frequency. The joy and positivity are there.”Advertisement
Good vibes don’t automatically equate to success on the field, or even a Heisman campaign. But now there’s something to dream about this season for UCLA fans, as the Bruins look forward to a very bright future in 2027.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Could Bob Chesney Lift Nico Iamaleava to Heisman Trophy Heights?