Nico Iamaleava 'heartbroken' over season-ending injury, will return in 2027 - USA Today

UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava made his first public comments since his season-ending injury, stating he is "heartbroken" his 2026 campaign was cut short as he reportedly intends to return.

Iamaleava made his comments on Instagram on Thursday, Oct. 29, nearly three weeks after the injury.

"Well, I’m heartbroken the way my season ended. I’ve finally accepted that this year is really over for me," he wrote. "This wasn’t a part of the plan, but I believe everything happens for a reason. I gave this game and my brothers everything I had and I’ll continue to lean on God and trust His plan. I’ll be back."

The UCLA quarterback was injured against Oregon on Oct. 11. Late in the second quarter, he scrambled on a play and when tackled by Ducks defenders Bear Alexander and Jerry Mixon, his left leg looked like it got hit and twisted. He stayed on the ground after the play while he was attended to by support staff.

Initially, it didn't appear serious when Iamaleava returned after missing just one play, throwing an interception on the ensuing snap as UCLA coach Bob Chesney said on the broadcast it wasn't major.

However, that ended up being his last snap. Iamaleava didn’t come out with the team to start the second half and later emerged from the locker room and stayed on the sideline, as Chesney said the halftime evaluation revealed the severity.

Chesney confirmed on Monday, Oct. 19 Iamalaeava would be out for the remainder of the season, and recently said the quarterback is expecting to have surgery.

In Iamaleava's abscence, the Bruins have gone with Cal Poly transfer Ty Dieffenbach, who has thrown for 505 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, keeping UCLA's perfect start alive. The Bruins are 7-0 for the first time since 2005 and ranked No. 7 in the US LBM Coaches Poll.

The injury altered Iamaleava's plans since he alluded the 2026 season would likely be his last at UCLA as he would try to make it to the professional level. However, Iamaleava's recovery timeline changed his outlook, leaving the door open to play another college football season.

On3 reported through Iamaleava's agent he informed UCLA he plans to return for the 2027 season. He does have one extra year of eligibility.

Iamaleava has complimented Chensey for giving him the confidence to return with the Bruins after a disappointing 2025 season, and his plan to be back will keep the Bruins as contenders.

Iamaleava threw for 982 passing yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions, along with 144 yards and one touchdown on the ground.