UCLA Announces Nico Iamaleava Development Before Ohio State Game
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The UCLA Bruins are 3-6 on the season. The Bruins began the season with a 0-4 record and fired head coach DeShaun Foster after losses to Utah, UNLV, New Mexico and Northwestern.
UCLA then stunned the world and defeated Penn State, 42-37, and went on to defeat both Michigan State and Maryland with Tim Skipper as the interim head coach.
Since then, UCLA has lost to Indiana in a 56-6 blowout and Nebraska, 28-21, in Week 11.
Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who transferred from Tennessee in the spring, has thrown for 1,659 yards with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
He has bounced back after a rocky start, and he had two touchdowns against Nebraska in the Week 11 loss.
Late Friday, it was revealed that Iamaleava will not be available for the game against No. 1 Ohio State in Week 12 as he deals with a concussion, according to Brett McMurphy of On3.
“UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava will not play Saturday at Ohio State because of a concussion, sources told On3,” McMurphy wrote. “Iamaleava suffered the concussion in last week’s loss against Nebraska, but concussion symptoms didn’t surface until after the game, a source said.”
NEW: UCLA QB Nico Iamaleava has been ruled out against Ohio State, @Brett_McMurphy reports.
Iamaleava suffered a concussion in last week’s loss against Nebraska.https://t.co/S3Zg6y4C1mpic.twitter.com/7Idcmg7HeB
— On3 (@On3sports) November 15, 2025
Iamaleava is the only Bruins QB to attempt a pass this season, and his absence comes against the best team in the nation and the defending national champions in Columbus.
Luke Duncan is expected to get the start in Iamaleava’s place, and the redshirt sophomore will have a lot on his hands against the Buckeyes.
UCLA faces Washington and USC to finish off the regular season after this one, so it will be worth monitoring Iamaleava’s status going forward.
Related: Lane Kiffin Remains Favorite to be Head Coach at College Football Powerhouse
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 15, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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