While UCLA was able to go into Autzen Stadium and leave with a win against Oregon, Bruins head coach Bob Chesney is still fuming over the play that may have ended his quarterback's season.
UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava suffered a knee injury in the first half. And on the end of the play, Oregon defensive tackle Bear Alexander was caught punching Iamaleava along the neck and helmet area. Alexander wasn't called for a penalty on the play, and Iamaleava's reaction was understandably focused on his knee injury.
On Monday, Chesney met with reporters and addressed the viral clip. He called the punch "egregious" and added that it was a shame that the officials missed the blatant penalty.
UCLA head coach Bob Chesney says Oregon DL Bear Alexander's punch
of QB Nico Iamaleava "egregious." Continued that "it's a shame that it was missed." pic.twitter.com/BBqyOLtp7D
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) October 12, 2026
Alexander almost certainly would have been ejected if the foul was reviewed or called on the field. The Big Ten is able to review the incident and could issue discipline against the Oregon player.
As for Iamaleava's status, Chesney denied that any decision had been made about the quarterback's season.
#UCLA HC Bob Chesney with his comments on Nico Iamaleava and his injury status.
— Connor David Dullinger (@CDullyDB) October 12, 2026
He added that Nico “could” return this season if they see something different when Nico meets with doctors, but added that the injury is serious. pic.twitter.com/5vRAjC5M6y
According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, Iamaleava — who transferred from Tennessee — is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: UCLA coach Bob Chesney spoke out on Oregon's shameful punch to injured QB Nico Iamaleava
