# Nico Iamaleava knee injury and UCLA quarterback transition > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nico-iamaleava-knee-injury-and-ucla-quarterback-transition > Updated: 2026-10-19T23:39:36.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2. UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 college football season due to a severe left knee injury sustained during a game against Oregon on October 10. The injury occurred when Iamaleava’s knee buckled during a scramble, involving contact from Oregon defenders Bear Alexander and Jerry Mixon. UCLA head coach Bob Chesney described the contact as “egregious,” while Oregon head coach Dan Lanning characterized it as an accident. Following the injury, it was confirmed that Iamaleava requires surgery. Prior to the injury, Iamaleava had helped lead the Bruins to a 5-0 start and a No. 12 national ranking, recording 982 passing yards and four touchdowns. In his absence, backup quarterback Ty Dieffenbach has taken over the starting role. Dieffenbach, a transfer from Cal Poly, has led the team to maintain an undefeated 6-0 record, including victories over Oregon and Wisconsin. The injury has raised questions regarding whether Iamaleava will return for another college season or enter the NFL draft after rehabilitation. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-19: UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava to undergo knee surgery UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava is out for the season due to a severe knee injury sustained against Oregon. Backup Ty Dieffenbach has led the undefeated No. 9 Bruins to two wins in his absence. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ucla-quarterback-nico-iamaleava-to-undergo-knee-surgery ### 2026-10-12: UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava expected to miss remainder of season UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava is expected to miss the rest of the 2026 season following a knee injury sustained during the Bruins' win over Oregon. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nico-iamaleava-expected-to-miss-remainder-of-season-with-ucla --- Cite as: Nico Iamaleava knee injury and UCLA quarterback transition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nico-iamaleava-knee-injury-and-ucla-quarterback-transition