Nico Iamaleava Breaks Silence Following Season-Ending Knee Injury

Support Local Media - Click to Add LA Sports Report as a Preferred Source on GoogleUCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava spoke publicly for the first time since suffering a season-ending knee injury against Oregon Oct. 10.“Well, I’m heartbroken the way my season ended,” Iamaleava wrote via Instagram. “I’ve finally accepted that this year is really over for me. This wasn’t a part of the plan, but I believe everything happens for a reason. I gave this game and my brothers everything I had and I’ll continue to lean on God and trust His plan. I’ll be back” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nico Iamaleava (@nico_iamaleava8)Iamaleava began his collegiate career with Tennessee, transferring to UCLA after two seasons in the SEC. He played in 11 games for the Bruins last season, completing 64.4% of his passes for 1,928 yards and 13 touchdowns in a generally underwhelming season.He got off to an undefeated start with the Bruins this year, completing 62.1% of his passes for four touchdowns before suffering his injury. His time at UCLA may not be over despite his injury, though, as he still has a year of eligibility remaining, and will likely use it to recover his draft stock next season.Sep 12, 2026; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA head coach Bob Chesney speaks with quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) after defeating San Diego State at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn ImagesWho Replaced Nico Iamaleava as UCLA’s Starter?The Bruins have played two games without Iamaleava so far, having Ty Dieffenbach step up in his absence.A transfer from Cal Poly, Dieffenbach has stepped up as a serviceable backup to Iamaleava over the course of the past two games. On the year, he has 43 completions on 70 attempts for 505 yards and two touchdowns.Last year with the Mustangs, Dieffenbach threw for 1,305 yards with nine touchdowns and as many interceptions.He will likely hold the spot for the remainder of the season, and will play a key role in UCLA’s push to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff. They’re still undefeated with a 7-0 record, and have Games against Nevada, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan and USC still to play before the end of the season.If Dieffenbach can keep the team undefeated through that stretch, UCLA—who are currently ranked No. 7 in the nation—will almost certainly find themselves among the best in the country come the end of the season. Their next challenge comes against Nevada on Saturday at 1:15 p.m. PT.The post Nico Iamaleava Breaks Silence Following Season-Ending Knee Injury appeared first on LA Sports Report.