UCLA Quarterback Nico Iamaleava to Undergo Surgery for Severe Knee Injury
The Bruins' starting quarterback's season is likely over, raising questions about his future NFL prospects.
UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava is scheduled to undergo surgery on his severe left knee injury on Monday or Tuesday, coach Bob Chesney announced. The injury, sustained during the Bruins' game against Oregon, is considered significant and will likely end Iamaleava's season.
Iamaleava had returned to the field for one play after being injured midway through the game before being replaced by backup Ty Dieffenbach. Dieffenbach has since led the No. 9 Bruins (6-0 overall, 4-0 Big Ten) to victories over Oregon and Wisconsin.
Before his injury, Iamaleava completed 62.1% of his passes for 982 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions in 2026. Dieffenbach has stepped in, completing 64.1% of his passes for 307 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the games since Iamaleava's injury.
The severity of Iamaleava's injury raises questions about his future, including whether he will declare for the NFL draft or return for another college season to continue his rehabilitation and improve his draft stock.
UCLA will continue their season without Iamaleava as they prepare to face Michigan State on Saturday at the Rose Bowl. Dieffenbach, a senior, has at least one year of eligibility remaining.