Nico Iamaleava Makes Major UCLA Decision After Season-Ending ACL Injury

Support Local Media - Click to Add LA Sports Report as a Preferred Source on GoogleUCLA got a major boost on Thursday, Oct. 29th, as star quarterback Nico Iamaleava committed to staying with the Bruins for the 2027 season. Nico Iamaleava’s decisionIamaleava can enter the 2027 NFL Draft, but he is choosing to forgo it for another season at UCLA, according to his agent, per a report from On3’s Pete Nakos.The announcement comes after Iamaleava went through surgery on his knee after tearing his ACL in a game against Oregon on Oct. 10th. 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 ImagesRather than enter the draft after an injury, he wants to recover with the Bruins and put another season on tape. “I’m heartbroken the way my season ended,” Iamaleava wrote. “I’ve finally accepted that this year is really over for me. This wasn’t 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 LA Sports Report (@lasportsreport)Does UCLA want Iamaleava back?Head coach Bob Chesney has a season to finish before considering his future quarterback, since UCLA is undefeated and they have a real chance to make the CFP. Chesney would prefer Iamaleava out there instead of current starter Ty Diffenbach, but the backup is holding his own. Sep 26, 2026; College Park, Maryland, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) passes in the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn ImagesLooking outward, Iamaleava offered a ton in the run game as a quarterback, but his dropback production was quite inconsistent still. There are certainly some possible upgrades available in the portal if Chesney chooses to look that route, but Iamaleava has the raw toolset to bet on in the second year with the Bruins and their offensive system. If Imaleava announces his intention to stay, that may indicate he has assurances of a starting role for the upcoming season. The post Nico Iamaleava Makes Major UCLA Decision After Season-Ending ACL Injury appeared first on LA Sports Report.