The UCLA Bruins picked up a statement win over the Oregon Ducks on Saturday on the road, improving to 5-0 in Bob Chesey's first year. Unfortunately for the Bruins, starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava suffered a serious knee injury during the game, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports.
While Zenitz reported that the injury will end his 2026 season, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that he is out "indefinitely" and that an upcoming medical evaluation could reveal a timetable.
He suffered the injury during the first half of the game and briefly returned to action, but threw an interception on his final play. He did not play during the second half and was spotted in street clothes on the sideline. He completed 10 of his 17 passes for 162 yards and two
interceptions before going down.
While it has not been his most productive season, he has helped them have the best start in program history. The veteran has completed 62.1% of his passes for 982 yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions. He has rushed for 144 yards and another touchdown. Iamaleava is in his second season as UCLA's starting quarterback after starting his career with the Tennessee Volunteers.
Ty Dieffenback played the entire second half against the Ducks, completing three of his six passes for 43 yards and a touchdown. It was the senior's only action this season after he was Cal Poly's starting quarterback last season.
The Bruins are returning home this week for a showdown with the 4-1 Wisconsin Badgers, who are coming off a bye and are looking for a second win against a top-25 opponent this year. UCLA will also play the Michigan State Spartans and Nevada Wolfpack this month. Their only remaining game against a ranked opponent is against the USC Trojans on Nov. 28.
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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: UCLA starting QB Nico Iamaleava has serious knee injury
