
UCLA Loses Star QB Nico Iamaleava to Season-Ending ACL Tear After Oregon Clash
UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 season with a torn ACL sustained during a 17-15 victory over Oregon. The injury occurred late in the second quarter when Iamaleava was tackled by Oregon defenders, resulting in a twisted left leg. Backup Ty Dieffenbach, who transferred from Cal Poly this offseason, took over for the entire second half and threw a game-winning touchdown. Despite the loss of their primary starter, the Bruins remain undefeated at 5-0 and have risen to No. 12 in the AP Poll. Head coach Bob Chesney criticized the missed penalty on Iamaleava as 'egregious' and indicated the starting role will be determined on a week-to-week basis, with Dieffenbach and sophomore Madden Iamaleava competing for the job. The next test for the Bruins is a Saturday night matchup against Wisconsin at the Rose Bowl.













