UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava expected to miss remainder of season

UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 college football season due to a knee injury. The injury occurred during the Bruins' 17-15 upset victory over Oregon.

Reports indicate the injury happened during the first half when Iamaleava's knee buckled while scrambling. Some accounts also note a hit from Oregon defender Bear Alexander, which UCLA head coach Bob Chesney described as “egregious.” Oregon head coach Dan Lanning characterized the contact as an accident intended to hit the ball.

Iamaleava, a former Tennessee transfer, has been a key figure in UCLA's 5-0 start and their rise to a No. 12 national ranking. His absence leaves a significant void for the Bruins, who will now rely on backup quarterback Ty Dieffenbach. Dieffenbach, who previously played at Pittsburgh and Cal Poly, stepped in during the Oregon game, completing 3-of-6 passes for 43 yards and a touchdown.