UCLA football is out to continue its perfect start to the 2026 season against Wisconsin in Week 7, but it will do so with a different face at quarterback.
Starter Nico Iamaleava is out for the remainder of the season after suffering a knee injury in the win against Oregon.
As a result, the Bruins will turn to a backup to lead an offense that is averaging 44.8 points per game, seventh in the country. But adding a wrinkle to that sentiment, it's a backup position that has been in flux week-by-week for UCLA and first-year coach Bob Chesney.
Now without Iamaleava, UCLA turns to one of those quarterbacks, who is expected to be Ty Dieffenbach. Here is what to know about Dieffenbach before he makes his first start as a Bruin.
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Who is UCLA starting QB?
UCLA's starting quarterback is Ty Dieffenbach. He starts over Madden Iamaleava, Nico's younger brother.
Who is Ty Dieffenbach?
Dieffenbach is a senior from Calabasas, California, wearing No. 14 for the Bruins.
Where did Ty Dieffenbach transfer from?
Dieffenbach started his college career at Pittsburgh in 2023. He was with the Panthers for two seasons, and he did not play in any games.
In 2025, he transferred to FCS Cal Poly. Dieffenbach started 11 games for the Mustangs, going 92-for-162 and 1,305 yards with nine touchdowns to nine interceptions. He also had 321 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
He transferred to UCLA for the 2026 season and made his first appearance for the Bruins against Oregon.
What to know about Ty Dieffenbach
Chesney and teammates all say Dieffenbach is a confident quarterback. Tight end Josh Phifer said his poise is "really inspiring."
"He just a composed kid that sees the field well and has had experience and has done well with it," Chesney said.
Receiver Landon Ellis noted Dieffenbach put in extra work in the offseason, asking teammates to get extra reps in or more film. It helped him feel comfortable to where "there was no flinch in him" when he came in against the Ducks.
"He's fearless. He's not scared to throw the ball out there," Ellis said. "He's been preparing since we got here, since I've known him. He's just an overall good guy, cool guy. I think he has leadership qualities."
Ty Dieffenbach stats
In one game this season, Dieffenbach went 3-for-6 with 43 yards and a touchdown, including the game-winning score to running back Wayne Knight to defeat Oregon 17-15.
Will Madden Iamaleava get reps
Madden Iamaleava had been the backup to his older brother through the first four games for UCLA, but Chesney opted to go with Dieffenbach against Oregon following "a really good week of practice." His ability to help close out the win put him in strong position to start, but Chesney left the door open to Madden being able to get in the game and possibly start in the future.
"Ty's certainly earned the right to to be out there to put us in a position to do what he did, and I think Madden has as well," Chesney said. "It'll be one of those things that we'll just be able to get started with Ty here and see how the rest of this plays out."
Regardless, the Bruins are confident in whoever is behind center.
"Whether it's Ty or Madden, I think both of them are incredible competitors," Phifer said. "I just feel like both quarterbacks are going to compete and do everything they can to to make this a good football team."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ty Dieffenbach to take reins for undefeated UCLA after Iamaleava injury
