LOS ANGELES — Tennessee transfer quarterback Nico Iamaleava is expected to miss the rest of the UCLA season after a knee setback in Saturday 17-15 win at Oregon, according to people with knowledge of his status.
Iamaleava left late in the first half after he was spun down while running and grabbed his leg. He tried to continue, was ruled out at halftime and later returned to the sideline in street clothes. UCLA is 5-0 and ranked No. 12 under first-year coach Bob Chesney.
At his Monday news conference, Chesney said there was serious concern but that doctors had not made a final call and that Iamaleava had more medical meetings scheduled. He said nothing had been fully ruled out at that moment.
In four-plus games this season, Iamaleava completed 62.1 percent of his passes for 982 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions, and he added 144 rushing yards and a score. He moved from Tennessee to UCLA before the 2025 season and stayed after Chesney took over.
Backup Ty Dieffenbach finished the Oregon game, completing three of six passes for 43 yards and a touchdown. Chesney said Dieffenbach will start going forward, with Madden Iamaleava, Nico younger brother, also competing for snaps. No. 12 UCLA next hosts Wisconsin on Saturday.
Iamaleava still faces a decision about the 2027 NFL Draft. People around the program say he has the tools to be an early-round pick but may need another college season to prove his health and raise his draft stock. Chesney said he saw Iamaleava on Monday morning and that the quarterback is in a good place mentally as he waits on a clearer medical picture.
