Nico Iamaleava injury update: UCLA Bruins star exits season opener with ankle injury

Two of the teams with the most buzz of the offseason faced off on Saturday Night in a Pac 12 after dark throwback as UCLA and Cal faced off. Both programs brought in new head coaches, and built up a ton of excitement in the offseason as both fanbases hoped they could bring winning back to their programs.

Bob Chesney took over at UCLA and inherited a quarterback in former Tennessee Volunteers star Nico Iamaleava. After his messy exit from Tennessee and a down season in 2025, everyone wanted to see if Iamaleava can get his career back on track with the arrival of the new coaching staff, and the transfers they brought with them.

Nico Iamaleava's injury clouds exciting win for the UCLA Bruins

The UCLA Bruins didn't get the best performance from Nico Iamaleava as a passer, as he finished the game 14-22 for 184 yards and an interception. Where Iamaleava was the most impactful was running the ball, as he picked up 29 yards and a score with his legs helping the Bruins dominant rushing attack.

Following a Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele interception, UCLA got the ball back with a chance to put the game away. Looking to put the game on ice, Nico Iamaleava scrambled for 10 yards on 3rd and 1, but on the tackle and his own fumble recovery, he came up hobbled as it looked like he couldn't put any weight on his foot.

The Bruins starter entered the tent and was replaced by his younger brother, Madden Iamaleava, who serves as the backup QB. Nico Iamaleava did exit the tent and attempt to jog, but he limped back down the sidelines and back into the tent.

Wayne Knight finished off the drive with a 4-yard touchdown to give the Bruins a 14-point lead, putting the game on ice.

After the game, Bob Chesney will likely answer questions about the status of his quarterback, which is going to be critical as the Bruins look to build on the momentum from their Week 1 victory. This story will be updated as more information is made available.

Update: Nico Iamaleava returned to the field on the ensuing drive, handing the ball off to Anthony Woods, who took it 53 yards for a touchdown.

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