What happened to Nico Iamaleava? Why is he not starting the second half vs Oregon? UCLA QB injury update

After receiving attention from the training staff on the field, Nico Iamaleava left the contest and did not return when the second half began.

Prefer HTon Google

Nico Iamaleava started Saturday’s matchup against the Oregon Ducks but was unable to return for the second half after suffering an injury late in the opening half.

After receiving attention from the training staff on the field, the UCLA quarterback left the contest and did not return when the second half began. Ty Dieffenbach stepped in to lead the Bruins’ offense in his place.

The injury occurred as Iamaleava attempted to scramble before being brought down by Oregon defenders Bear Alexander and Jerry Mixon. He appeared to injure his left leg during the play and stayed on the ground while medical staff attended to him. The sight prompted a tense moment in the stadium as the quarterback received treatment.

UCLA subsequently listed Iamaleava as doubtful to return for the remainder of the game.

This story is being updated.

• 

  Ojas Jaiswal is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times, currently working with the US Desk, where he covers a wide spectrum of American sports and global news developments. From high-intensity NFL moments on the field to the latest off-court NBA storylines, he specializes in delivering engaging, audience-driven stories that blend factual accuracy with compelling narratives. A graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Bennett University, Ojas brings over two years of experience in digital journalism. Before joining Hindustan Times, he worked with EssentiallySports, a leading digital sports media platform catering to American sports audiences, where he contributed across multiple editorial and engagement-focused roles. He also interned with Times Network at the Sports Desk, producing articles and video content across diverse sports, ranging from Formula 1 to football. Known for his commitment to factual and accurate reporting, Ojas was awarded a Certificate of Excellence in Editing during his college years. Beyond sports journalism, he closely follows international affairs and global developments, while also exploring documentaries from different cultures and regions around the world. A lifelong football enthusiast, Ojas has admired Lionel Messi since childhood and continues to draw inspiration from the football icon’s journey and legacy.Read More