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Pat McAfee considers the UCLA Bruins one of college football’s biggest surprises following their unbeaten start under first-year head coach Bob Chesney.
UCLA enters Saturday ranked No. 12 in the AP poll at 5-0 overall and 3-0 in conference play. McAfee pointed to Chesney’s arrival from James Madison and the team’s rushing attack as key factors in the program’s turnaround.
The former two-time Pro Bowl punter praised the Bruins during Saturday’s College GameDay broadcast from Provo, Utah. He shared the segment that morning on X, formerly Twitter, highlighting UCLA’s emergence in the Big Ten.
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“Across the board that has to be the biggest surprise that I’ve seen not only in the Big Ten but in college football as a whole.”
My favorite part about the Big Ten this season is all of the surprises..
UCLA is one of the biggest surprises in all of football #CollegeGameDaypic.twitter.com/wQIhZzrwZ2
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 17, 2026
Chesney became the first coach in UCLA history to begin his tenure with five consecutive victories. That stretch included a 54-3 road win over Maryland and a 17-15 upset at Oregon on October 10.
The Bruins forced seven turnovers against the then-No. 13 Ducks, earning their first victory in Eugene since 2004. The win also marked their first road victory over a ranked Oregon team.
Running back Wayne Knight, a James Madison transfer, scored twice against the Ducks, including the winning touchdown. He entered Saturday with 10 rushing touchdowns and 11 total scores.
McAfee also compared Chesney’s move to Curt Cignetti’s earlier jump from James Madison to Indiana, highlighting their successful transitions to the Big Ten.
UCLA’s turnaround follows a 3-9 finish in 2025. The Bruins fired DeShaun Foster after an 0-3 start and announced Chesney’s hiring December 6, 2025.
They now face an adjustment at quarterback after Nico Iamaleava suffered a knee injury vs. Oregon. Ty Dieffenbach completed 3 of 6 passes for 43 yards and a touchdown in relief.
UCLA hosts Wisconsin on Saturday seeking to extend the unbeaten start that caught McAfee’s attention.
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