Photo by Bobak Ha'Eri (CC BY 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons

UCLA coach Bob Chesney: ‘Serious concern’ QB Nico Iamaleava could miss season

UCLA’s starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava faces an uncertain future after suffering a knee injury during Saturday’s 17-15 win over Oregon. The 22-year-old junior was injured late in the first half while scrambling for a first down, forcing him out of the game.

Coach Bob Chesney emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that medical opinions are still being reviewed before a final diagnosis is confirmed. With the Bruins (5-0, 3-0 in the Big Ten) set to host Wisconsin (4-1, 2-0) this Saturday at the Rose Bowl, Iamaleava’s status remains a critical question.

Through five games, he has thrown for 982 yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions while also contributing as a dual-threat runner. Backup Ty Dieffenbach stepped in for the second half, completing 5 of 8 passes for 43 yards and a touchdown, while sophomore Madden Iamaleava—Nico’s younger brother—remains on the depth chart as another option.

Neither backup has yet started a game in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

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