UCLA football is buzzing with fresh energy this season, and it's all thanks to new head coach Bob Chesney. After leading James Madison to its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance last year, Chesney has brought that same winning mentality to Westwood—and early comparisons to a legendary college coach are turning heads.
The Bruins wrapped up spring practices with their annual Spring Game at the Rose Bowl, and the buzz around Chesney's impact is impossible to ignore. Former USC wide receiver Travon Patterson, who played under Pete Carroll during the Trojans' golden era, attended two of UCLA's spring sessions and made a bold comparison.
"I talked to Travon Patterson yesterday," said recruiting analyst Greg Biggins. "He played at USC under Pete Carroll. He's been to two UCLA practices and said, 'Dude, this guy reminds me of Pete Carroll. The way that UCLA practices are set up with the energy, the vibe, the radio, the music pumping—it's like our old USC practices.'"
That's high praise, considering Carroll's legacy. During his tenure at USC from 2001-09, Carroll posted a staggering 97-19 record, captured two national championships, and won seven consecutive Pac-10 titles. He also strung together a 34-game winning streak between 2003-05, cementing himself as one of the greatest coaches in college football history. Carroll later took that energy to the NFL, leading the Seattle Seahawks to two Super Bowl appearances and a victory in Super Bowl XLVIII. While his recent stint with the Las Vegas Raiders ended after just one season in 2025, his impact on the game remains undeniable.
Chesney isn't just channeling that vibe—he's building a program. He brought several trusted staff members from James Madison, including offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy and defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler. And that young, energetic coaching staff is already making waves on the recruiting trail. UCLA currently boasts the No. 4 Class of 2027 in the nation and the No. 2 class in the Big Ten—a testament to the momentum Chesney is building.
If the early comparisons to Pete Carroll are any indication, UCLA fans might be in for an exciting ride.