Is it his killer scheme? Masterful motivation? Cutting-edge recovery program?

None of the above, actually.

As he prepares to make his debut in the big-time of the Big Ten, Bob Chesney said there’s no special formula that’s sparked his swift rise.

His best ability might be adaptability.

The UCLA football coach who was working at the Football Championship Subdivision level just three years ago before taking James Madison to the College Football Playoff last season has met every challenge with a tailored approach.

“I think it’s my willingness and my ability to learn and figure out exactly what needs to be done and do it in all those situations … where people never thought you possibly could,” Chesney said last week at Big Ten media days. “That’s what gives me the confidence” at the Power Four level.

Chesney’s to-do list is a long one at a place that hasn’t made much noise in the college football landscape in more than a decade.

Here are five questions facing the Bruins as they prepare to open fall camp on Thursday:

Can Nico Iamaleava improve his accuracy?

There were times last season when it seemed as if UCLA’s quarterback was a greater threat with his legs than with his arm.

Part of it was a shaky offensive line that gave him little time to throw, but Iamaleava’s touch on his passes was often not where it needed to be on medium and deep routes.

After Iamaleava finished the season as his team’s leading rusher with 505 yards and four touchdowns on the ground, expect defenses to construct their scheme around making him beat them with his arm.

Iamaleava completed 64.4% of his passes last season, ranking No. 8 in the Big Ten in accuracy. If he can nudge that percentage a few points upward in 2026, it will likely make UCLA’s offense far more dangerous than the sputtering version from a year ago.

Can the edge rushers turn up the heat?

A year ago, UCLA’s defensive problems were largely tied to the lack of a pass rush.

That issue could be solved by the arrival of Sahir West from James Madison and the continued emergence of Scott Taylor.

West spent so much time in opposing backfields last season that he could have been charged rent. He finished with seven sacks and 14 tackles for loss but was largely neutralized by Oregon in the CFP, logging just two tackles – none for loss.

Even as a freshman, Taylor was among the top playmakers on UCLA’s defense, his contributions increasing along with his playing time by season’s end.

A wildcard to watch is Nico Davillier, who has been cleared after missing all of last season. He showed promise during his final two seasons at Arkansas.

Will the Bruins’ offensive line hold up?

If nothing else, Chesney has plenty of options at his disposal.

The Bruins have 23 offensive linemen on their roster, meaning that the unit could go more than four deep at every position.

There’s some talent to go with that depth.

Jordan Davis, a leading candidate to take over at left tackle, started 30 games at South Alabama. Center Riley Robell, one of 10 transfers from James Madison, could supplant Sam Yoon as the starting center after Yoon struggled with snaps last season.

Eugene Brooks, the team’s best offensive lineman a year ago, will likely retain his starting spot at one guard spot. The other starting spot will likely go to Carter Sweazie or Julian Armella, with Harvard transfer Derek Osman also in the mix.

Hall Schmidt, a Boise State transfer who is in his fifth college season, will probably compete with James Madison transfer JD Dean to be the starting right tackle.

Will UCLA run game get going?

It’s almost never a good sign when your quarterback is your leading rusher.

Running backs Jaivian Thomas and Anthony Woods, who had been productive at previous stops, largely ran aground in their first seasons as Bruins.

They looked far more promising in the spring as part of a dynamic group that also benefited from the play of hard-charging Troy Leigber and Karson Cox.

Heralded newcomer Wayne Knight, the star of Chesney’s offense at James Madison, has been fully cleared after being limited in the spring.

How much will continuity ease Chesney’s transition?

Almost everywhere he looks, Chesney will see a face that’s long been familiar to him.

In addition to all those transfers who made the cross-country trip with him from James Madison, Chesney brought along seven assistant coaches and additional support staff.

That should lead to the sort of continuity that could help the Bruins avoid the sort of early season lumps many teams absorb in their first season under a new staff.