UCLA QB Nico Iamaleava expected to miss remainder of season after knee injury

Iamaleava exited Saturday’s win over Oregon after suffering an apparent leg injury

UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury, sources tell CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz. Iamaleava exited Saturday's 17-15 win over Oregon after getting tangled up awkwardly between a pair of Ducks defenders. A former five-star recruit, Iamaleava transferred from Tennessee to UCLA prior to the 2025 season, and he stuck with the Bruins after Bob Chesney took charge. In his second season with the Bruins, Iamaleava provided some stability at the quarterback position, even if his numbers didn't jump off the page. In four-plus games, Iamaleava completed 62.1 percent of his passes for 982 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions while rushing for 144 yards and a score.

Looking ahead to the offseason, Iamaleava will have a big decision to make regarding the 2027 NFL Draft. Iamaleava has the tools to be an early-round selection, but he may have to spend one more season at the college level to prove his health and boost his draft stock. When Iamaleava left the game against Oregon, backup Ty Dieffenbach entered and managed the offense well enough to get the win. The senior completed three of his six passing attempts for 43 yards and a touchdown. No. 12 UCLA's first test without Iamaleava will be a home contest against 4-1 Wisconsin on Saturday night.