UCLA Quarterback Nico Iamaleava Cleared for Saturday's Game Against Maryland

UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava has been cleared to play in Saturday's game against Maryland, according to the team's latest availability report. Iamaleava, who sustained hits to his hand, shoulder, and legs in the previous week's game, was not listed on the report released Wednesday, indicating his readiness to participate.

Despite the positive news regarding their starting quarterback, the Bruins will be without two starters. Safety Tao Johnson will miss his third consecutive game, and wide receiver Mikey Matthews is out for the remainder of the season following foot surgery. Several other players listed as out are backups, including wide receiver Jonah Smith, center Sam Yoon, and defensive backs Jamier Johnson and Joshua Dixon.

There is some positive outlook for two players who did not play last week. Tight end Josh Phifer and offensive lineman Mack Indestad are both listed as questionable, suggesting a potential return against the Terrapins. Wide receiver Aidan Mizell, who has been sidelined since the Bruins' victory over San Diego State two weeks prior, is also listed as questionable. Reserve defensive back Jhase McMillan is listed as probable.

Iamaleava's resilience has been a notable aspect of UCLA's season. He has twice had to leave games due to injuries, once against Purdue and earlier in the season against California. In both instances, he returned to the field. UCLA coach Bob Chesney commented on his quarterback's toughness, noting, "His toughness certainly stands out in there. And it’s not unnecessary hits, but he takes a lot of them, and he just keeps picking himself back up off the ground."

Chesney added that while he would prefer Iamaleava to avoid some hits by sliding or going out of bounds, he also acknowledged the quarterback's playing style. "When he runs, he’s not a guy that’s gonna slide or dive or do those things — like, he puts his pads down and runs behind him. And that’s kind of exciting — at moments, I’d like him to get out of bounds and maybe work on some of those other abilities to not get hit, but at the same point, that’s the game he plays and that’s a toughness he plays it with."

The Bruins, with a 3-0 record under coach Bob Chesney, are looking to continue their successful start to the season against Maryland.