UCLA QB Iamaleava Out Indefinitely After Knee Injury

UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava is out indefinitely with a knee injury, according to sources cited by ESPN ^[2]. The injury occurred late in the second quarter of Saturday’s 17-15 victory over Oregon when Iamaleava was sandwiched between two defenders and landed awkwardly on his leg while scrambling ^[1]. He briefly returned to the field after being checked by trainers but threw an interception on his next play, leading to his replacement by backup Ty Dieffenbach in the second half.

Dieffenbach, a senior transfer from Cal Poly, stepped in and completed three of six passes for 43 yards and a touchdown, helping seal the win that kept UCLA unbeaten at 5-0 and ranked No. 12 ^[1]. The decision to start Dieffenbach over redshirt freshman Madden Iamaleava—Nico’s younger brother—was based on Dieffenbach’s superior ability to run the offense, according to coach Bob Chesney.

Iamaleava, who transferred from Tennessee in spring 2025, had struggled early in the season with four interceptions and no touchdowns in his first two games. He rebounded with four touchdowns and no interceptions against Purdue and Maryland but faltered again against Oregon, committing multiple critical errors including an underthrown touchdown pass, a fumble at the 1-yard line, and two interceptions ^[1]. He had thrown for 982 yards and four touchdowns this season ^[2].

The injury raises serious questions about UCLA’s College Football Playoff prospects, as the team now faces a critical stretch with games against Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Nevada at the Rose Bowl ^[1]. The starting quarterback role will now be contested between Dieffenbach and Madden Iamaleava, who has seen limited action this season.

No official return timeline has been set, as the final assessment awaits a medical evaluation ^[2].