UCLA QB Nico Iamaleava reportedly sidelined 'indefinitely,' could miss 'remainder of season'

UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 season, per CBS Sports . ESPN's Pete Thamel said the QB is currently expected to be sidelined "indefinitely" as UCLA awaits a final medical evaluation.

Head coach Bob Chesney spoke about the report during his press conference. He said there is "serious concern," but also, "there's been nothing fully ruled at this moment." Chesney added, "I'm gonna wait for doctors to make the final call on things, he has a meeting later today and he'll have a lot more clarity on where things are at."

Iamaleava sustained the knee injury right before halftime in the Bruins' 17-15 win over Oregon on Saturday. He looked to be in considerable pain, but then he missed one play and was back on the field.

The UCLA quarterback ended the first half with an interception in the end zone, and heading into halftime, Chesney said Iamaleava was fine and had just been hit in the thigh.

Iamaleava didn't return to the sideline after halftime until nearly the end of the third quarter, and he was ruled out for the rest of the game. Now, he is expected to miss at least a significant chunk of the season, if not all of it.

Without Iamalavea, UCLA turned to backup quarterback Ty Dieffenbach. With him and the Bruins' defense forcing seven total turnovers , UCLA held on to upset then-No. 13 Oregon.

Iamaleava finished 10 of 17 for 162 yards and two interceptions, including the one to cap the first half.

The QB is in his second year with the Bruins after beginning his career with Tennessee. As a Bruin, Iamaleava has played in 16 games, with 2,910 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

UCLA's win over Oregon moved the Bruins up to No. 12 in the AP poll. They head into this weekend's home game against Wisconsin at 5-0.

While an injury to the starting QB is never good, UCLA's short-term schedule looks manageable even with a backup under center. After Wisconsin this weekend, the Bruins face Michigan State, Nevada, Minnesota, and Illinois before finishing the season at Michigan and against No. 19 USC.

On the chance that Iamaleava is able to return this season, UCLA fans may be crossing their fingers that it happens before the Michigan game on Nov. 21.