Ty Dieffenbach’s stunning rise: UCLA’s former 3rd-string QB leads unbeaten Bruins

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — Ty Dieffenbach, once a backup quarterback for UCLA, has emerged as the leader of the 12th-ranked Bruins, who are currently the only undefeated team in the Big Ten and Southeastern conferences. The 21-year-old has quickly taken control of the team, starting his first game of the season against Wisconsin. In that matchup, Dieffenbach completed 23 out of 33 passes for 264 yards, forced a sack, and threw an interception.

UCLA coach Bob Chesney praised Dieffenbach's performance, calling him "a warrior" who demonstrated "confidence and the ability to see the game clearly." Dieffenbach took over the starting role after Nico Iamaleava suffered a leg injury, moving ahead of Nico's younger brother, Maddon. The Bruins (6-0, 4-0 Big Ten) are expected to climb into the top 10 after their recent victories, a remarkable turnaround from last season when they went 3-3 and fired coach DeShaun Foster after a 0-3 start.

Dieffenbach, who grew up in Agoura, about 38 miles from Westwood, expressed his appreciation for the support of the 36,045 fans who attended Saturday's game at the Rose Bowl. The moment the "California Love" song played during the fourth quarter, accompanied by flashing lights and fans demonstrating the traditional "4's Up" gesture, was especially significant for Dieffenbach.