UCLA has "serious concern" over quarterback Nico Iamaleava's knee injury that forced him to exit Saturday's 17-15 win at Oregon, coach Bob Chesney said Monday. Chesney said a final timeline on Iamaleava's status will be determined after upcoming medical evaluations, adding that he is waiting for doctors to make the final call.
Iamaleava was hurt in the second quarter after landing awkwardly on a scramble while being tackled. He was able to jog off the field after being checked by athletic trainers and returned briefly before throwing an interception, his third turnover of the first half. Backup Ty Dieffenbach, a senior from Cal Poly who had not played all season, took over in the second half and completed 3 of 6 passes for 43 yards and a touchdown. Oregon defensive lineman Bear Alexander was seen twisting Iamaleava's helmet and appearing to punch him during the play, but no penalty was called. Chesney called the play "egregious" and said it was a shame officials missed it.
The victory improved UCLA to 5-0 and moved the Bruins up to No. 12 in this week's AP poll. Chesney described the quarterback situation between Dieffenbach and sophomore Madden Iamaleava, Nico's younger brother, as "decently fluid" ahead of Saturday's home game against Wisconsin. Madden Iamaleava has appeared in three career games.
Nico Iamaleava, who has started every game since transferring from Tennessee in spring 2025, has thrown for 982 yards and four touchdowns this season.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing