LOS ANGELES — For 24 hours, UCLA football was on top of the college football world after it went into Autzen Stadium and took down Oregon.
But that jubilation turned into a gloomy mood with dark clouds hanging over Los Angeles.
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava is expected to be out for the remainder of the season, suddenly shifting the entire trajectory of the No. 12 Bruins.
UCLA announced itself as a College Football Playoff contender. Now, how does it keep that path without its star player behind center?
“There is a serious concern at this moment,” coach Bob Chesney said of Iamaleava’s status.
It’s somewhat of a mixed bag on what’s next. For all the talent Iamaleava possesses, he hasn’t been all that spectacular in 2026. He made critical mistakes against
Oregon with three turnovers, particularly a goal-line fumble leading to a Ducks touchdown, that prevented UCLA from having a bigger first-half lead.
That doesn’t take into account what Iamaleava can do when he’s on. He has one of the strongest arms in the country and an ability to extend plays that has gotten the Bruins out of bad situations several times over his two seasons.
With the ball in his hand, Iamaleava is a threat. When that can’t happen, who can replicate it?
Ty Dieffenbach shines in relief for UCLA
There was as much concern as there was surprise when Iamaleava’s relief arm wasn’t his younger brother, Madden, but Cal Poly transfer Ty Dieffenbach, who hadn’t played all season.
Turns out, it’s been a season long competition for second-string. Chesney said he’s been handling the spot on a week-by-week basis, not revealing who’s the backup until they were needed. Dieffenbach didn’t know it was his time to shine until he was told to get in.
“What got him there is that we're really looking at this on a week-to-week basis, and he had a really good week of practice,” Chesney said. “He did a really good job, and I think he brings a lot to the table in there. I think that was what put him in that position.”
Dieffenbach nearly made his coach a genius on his first snap. His pass was a perfectly placed ball in the end zone to Brian Rowe, but the receiver couldn’t haul in. Unsuccessful, but set the tone, finishing 3-for-6 for 43 yards and a touchdown to seal the win.
“He's fearless,” said receiver Landon Ellis. “He's not scared to throw the ball out there.”
“His poise was really inspiring,” tight end Josh Phifer added. “Being in the huddle and just seeing that your quarterback is not really nervous or freaking out at all and just is ready to go attack makes the rest of the offense just feel comfortable too.”
Does UCLA have its next guy? It appears so. Chesney alluded to Dieffenbach making his first start the Rose Bowl in Week 7 against Wisconsin, as he said he “earned the right to be out there.” However, “Madden has as well.”
“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,” Chesney said. “There's two guys that are very capable, and I think that's a positive to have.”
What UCLA needs to keep CFP hopes alive
However, we’re not asking the right question. It’s not about who will be at quarterback.
It’s can the next guy sustain what’s gotten UCLA to this point?
Dieffenbach’s limited passes was because the rushing attack has powered the Bruins’ perfect start. Led by Wayne Knight, UCLA’s 253.2 rushing yards per game is sixth-best in FBS. Against Oregon, UCLA ran the ball 47 times compared to just 23 passes.
The running game is elite, but part of what made it work was defenses had to respect Iamaleava’s arm and running ability. If he’s not in there, opponents can sell out on the run and force quarterbacks to beat them.
Wisconsin will be the best rushing defense UCLA has faced, ranking 35th with 114.6 yards given up on the ground and allowing just one rushing touchdown during its four-game win streak.
In short, whatever arm UCLA goes with will have to immediately prove it can keep the rhythm going.
All of this comes as the hype has never been higher for the Bruins. With a favorable schedule remaining, practically everyone spent the weekend penciling UCLA into the playoff bracket. The path is clearly there for the dream season.
Now, Dieffenbach – or Madden Iamaleava – will have to assume the conductor of the Chesney hype train and keep it chugging along – or else it can derail quickly.
“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 make this a good football team.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: UCLA lost quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Where do Bruins go next to stay in CFP race?
