Report: UCLA's Iamaleava out indefinitely with knee injury

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 19: Nico Iamaleava #9 of the UCLA Bruins throws a pass during the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Rose Bowl Stadium on September 19, 2026 in Pasadena, California.
Kevin Terrell / Getty Images Sport / Getty

UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava is out indefinitely with a knee injury, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel.

A final recovery timeline is pending an upcoming medical evaluation, adds Thamel.

UCLA head coach Bob Chesney says there's "serious concern" regarding the injury that forced Iamaleava to miss the second half of Saturday's 17-15 victory over Oregon.

"There's been nothing fully ruled at this moment," Chesney told reporters Monday, per Thamel.

Iamaleava completed 10-of-17 passes with two interceptions before exiting. Backup quarterback Ty Dieffenbach took over in Iamaleava's absence.

Iamaleava, who transferred from Tennessee in 2025, has been a huge part of the Bruins' resurgence this season.

The former top-25 recruit has thrown for 982 passing yards and four touchdowns through five appearances in 2026.

UCLA will host Wisconsin at the Rose Bowl on Saturday.

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