UCLA QB Nico Iamaleava Set to Miss Time After Suffering Leg Injury

UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 season after suffering a knee injury during Saturday's game against Oregon. Initially, Iamaleava only missed one play in the first half and was reported to be fine by UCLA coach Bob Chesney. However, he was ruled out for the second half, indicating the injury was more severe than initially thought.

ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that there is no timeline for Iamaleava's return, suggesting a full season absence. Iamaleava completed 10-of-17 passes for 162 yards and two interceptions before being ruled out. This season, he has completed 62.1% of his passes for 982 yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions across five starts.

Backup quarterback Ty Dieffenbach will fill in for Iamaleava, making his first career appearance in the NFL-style game. Dieffenbach, a redshirt junior who transferred from Cal Poly, acknowledged the significant opportunity presented by Iamaleava's injury. Every week is a test between Dieffenbach and Nico Iamaleava's brother, Madden, for the starting quarterback position.