Nico Iamaleava returns to UCLA for 2027 season

Nico Iamaleava told the University of California, Los Angeles, he plans to play another season.

The quarterback’s agent confirmed the news to CBS Sports reporter Matt Zenitz on Wednesday. Iamaleava suffered a tear in his anterior cruciate ligament during the Bruins’ victory at Oregon on Oct. 10.

His return complicates the quarterback depth chart. Ty Dieffenbach, a transfer from Cal Poly, has started since Iamaleava’s injury. The senior led the team to wins against Wisconsin and Michigan State.

Dieffenbach threw a fourth-quarter touchdown pass in the recent win over Oregon. He retains one year of eligibility under the NCAA’s five-year model. This allows him to compete for the starting job in 2027.

Iamaleava also has one year of eligibility left. He was the No. 2 ranked prospect in the Class of 2023. Many expected him to enter the NFL Draft earlier. He returned to UCLA last year to play for coach Bob Chesney.

His 2026 season was solid but unremarkable before the knee injury. The injury makes the pre-draft process difficult. A torn ACL often prevents players from completing standard workouts and meetings with teams.

Staying at UCLA allows Iamaleava to rehab within the Big Ten medical staff. He can use the time to prove his recovery to professional scouts. This could improve his draft stock for 2028.

He can also earn another large NIL deal. This provides financial security while his NFL future remains uncertain. The 6-foot-5 player has a strong arm and good mobility.

Dieffenbach is performing at a high level. He is an FCS transfer providing starter-level play. A coach told Aaron Taylor of CFB that Dieffenbach makes some throws better than Iamaleava did.

UCLA must decide how to handle the roster costs. Dieffenbach could command Power Four wages if his play continues. The Bruins are 7-0 and prepare to play Nevada on Saturday.

Keeping both quarterbacks may depend on the value of an experienced backup. The importance of a quality second option became clear this season. Oregon struggled after losing Dante Moore to injury.

Ohio State faces a similar issue. They may have to use true freshman Luke Fahey after an injury to starter Julian Sayin. This highlights the risk of relying on a single healthy quarterback in the Big Ten.