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UCLA says Nico Iamaleava has severe knee injury, surgery expected

Bruins coach Bob Chesney confirmed Monday that UCLA’s starting quarterback will remain out and described the injury as severe.

Published October 19, 2026 • Source: Reuters

UCLA coach Bob Chesney said Nico Iamaleava was expected to undergo surgery after suffering a severe knee injury, Reuters reported Monday evening. Chesney did not formally declare the quarterback out for the rest of the season, but said Iamaleava “is going to be out.”

Player: Nico Iamaleava

Team: No. 9 UCLA Bruins

Injury: Knee injury sustained October 10 at Oregon

Status: Out; surgery expected

Bruins continue with Ty Dieffenbach

Iamaleava was injured during UCLA’s 17–15 win at Oregon and did not return after halftime. Backup Ty Dieffenbach then started the Bruins’ 17–7 victory over Wisconsin, completing 22 of 33 passes for 264 yards as UCLA improved to 6–0 overall and 4–0 in Big Ten play.

Reuters reported that Iamaleava had thrown for 982 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions this season, while adding 144 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. CBS previously reported that the injury was a torn ACL and could end his season; UCLA had not publicly confirmed that specific diagnosis in Chesney’s Monday remarks.

Original report: Read Reuters →