UCLA QB Nico Iamaleava 'heartbroken' as injury ends his season
- On Thursday, UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava posted on Instagram that he is "heartbroken" his 2026 season ended early due to injury, following Coach Bob Chesney's confirmation the quarterback requires surgery.
- Iamaleava sustained the season-ending injury during a win at Oregon on Oct. 11, when defenders Bear Alexander and Jerry Mixon tackled him, causing his left leg to twist awkwardly.
- Cal Poly transfer Ty Dieffenbach has passed for 505 yards with two touchdowns in three starts, while Iamaleava threw for 982 yards before his injury sidelined him.
- Chesney confirmed on Monday, Oct. 19, that Iamaleava would miss the remainder of the season; the seventh-ranked Bruins remain undefeated at 7-0 despite the quarterback loss.
- Iamaleava retains one year of eligibility remaining after transferring from Tennessee in April 2025, though his future playing status remains uncertain following the season-ending injury.
21 Articles
21 Articles
UCLA’s ‘Heartbroken’ Nico Iamaleava Makes Career Announcement After Season-Ending Injury
UCLA had every reason to feel good about its undefeated start to the season. But five starts into his Bruins career, quarterback Nico Iamaleava had his season ended by a severe knee injury. One setback threatened to change the whole picture and end his time in Westwood. Instead, it sparked a choice that surprised many […]
UCLA QB Nico Iamaleava ‘heartbroken’ as injury ends his season
UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava says he's heartbroken his season has ended due to injury. He was hurt in a win at Oregon on Oct. 11. Iamaleava was tackled by two defenders and twisted his left leg. He returned briefly but didn't play in the second half. He shared his feelings on Instagram on Thursday in his first public comments, saying he’s accepted the season is over but believes everything happens for a reason. Coach Bob Chesney confirmed Iam…
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