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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.