UCLA Quarterback Nico Iamaleava to Return to Bruins in 2027

UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava has indicated to the program that he plans to return for the 2027 season rather than enter the NFL draft. CBS Sports reported that his agent confirmed the decision following a season-ending ACL tear sustained on Oct. 10. Yahoo Sports and On3 also reported that Iamaleava committed to remaining with the Bruins for the 2027 campaign. [1][2][3][5][6][8][9][10][11]

Iamaleava suffered the knee injury during a victory at Oregon on Oct. 10. CBS Sports and Yahoo Sports both reported that he described himself as heartbroken over the injury, which cut short his 2026 season. Rebuilding his health within the Big Ten program will allow the quarterback to avoid entering the pre-draft process early. [1][2][3][6]

Cal Poly transfer Ty Dieffenbach has filled the starting role at quarterback in place of Iamaleava. CBS Sports reported that Dieffenbach threw a critical fourth-quarter touchdown against Oregon and has since led seventh-ranked UCLA to consecutive wins over Wisconsin and Michigan State. Yahoo Sports reported that UCLA holds a 7-0 overall record under head coach Bob Chesney. [1][4][14]

Iamaleava previously played for the Tennessee Volunteers before transferring to UCLA. As a redshirt freshman at Tennessee in 2024, he passed for 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns with five interceptions in 13 starts, becoming the first freshman quarterback in Tennessee history to lead the team to 10 regular-season wins and a College Football Playoff berth. [3][12][15]