As the UCLA Bruins prepare for the upcoming college football season, new tight end Josh Phifer has expressed his excitement about the team's potential under first-year head coach Bob Chesney. Phifer, who transferred from James Madison University, believes that the Bruins have a similar vibe to his former team, which has garnered attention for its recent successes.
Chesney, who previously led James Madison to a conference championship and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2025, is looking to replicate that success at UCLA. His coaching style and the culture he fosters have already begun to resonate with the players, including Phifer. In a recent interview with California Post writer Ben Bolch, Phifer remarked on the striking similarities he perceives between the two programs.
"I was getting goosebumps," Phifer shared. "Because I was like, holy s–t, it’s happening, I can feel it. … This almost feels like JMUCLA – it feels like the same thing except it’s beautiful every day, it’s 75 degrees and all that." His enthusiasm reflects a growing optimism among the Bruins' roster as they adapt to Chesney's approach.
Phifer is not alone in his sentiments. Kicker Mateen Bhaghani also noted a significant shift in the team’s atmosphere compared to last season. He described last year's locker room as a "ghost town," where players would come and go without much interaction. This year, however, Bhaghani has experienced a more vibrant environment, suggesting that the camaraderie is improving under Chesney's leadership.
The Bruins' transformation is not just about the coaching staff; it also involves a significant number of players who have followed Chesney from James Madison through the transfer portal. This influx of talent and familiarity is expected to help ease the transition as the Bruins embark on their new season.
With the season opener set for Saturday, all eyes will be on UCLA to see if Chesney's winning formula can translate to success on the West Coast. The Bruins are hoping to make a statement this season, and the energy surrounding the team is palpable as they aim to build a new legacy reminiscent of their counterparts at James Madison.
As the Bruins kick off their campaign, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the chemistry and enthusiasm displayed by Phifer and his teammates can lead to a successful season that echoes the achievements of JMU.
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