UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury, CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported Monday, citing sources.
Coach Bob Chesney said there was serious concern but that doctors had not made the final determination. ESPN described Iamaleava as out indefinitely with the recovery timeline still dependent on further medical evaluation.
Iamaleava left Saturday’s 17–15 win at Oregon after being caught between defenders late in the first half. Backup Ty Dieffenbach took over and helped UCLA finish the victory.
Chesney said Monday that Dieffenbach would start going forward, the Los Angeles Times reported. Madden Iamaleava, Nico’s younger brother, remains part of the quarterback competition.
Dieffenbach completed three of six passes for 43 yards and a touchdown against Oregon. The No. 12 Bruins are 5–0 in Chesney’s first season and face Wisconsin next.
Nico Iamaleava has thrown for 982 yards and four touchdowns this season. His absence forces an immediate adjustment at quarterback during UCLA’s unbeaten start.
The reported season-ending expectation and the coach’s pending medical assessment are separate developments. UCLA has not publicly established a precise recovery date.
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