UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava has informed the program that he intends to return for the 2027 season, his agent told CBS Sports. Iamaleava suffered a season-ending ACL tear in the Bruins' victory at Oregon on October 10.
The decision leaves the Bruins with a significant quarterback dilemma. Since Iamaleava's injury, Cal Poly transfer Ty Dieffenbach has taken over the starting role and led UCLA to wins over Wisconsin and Michigan State. Dieffenbach also threw a crucial fourth-quarter touchdown pass in the win over Oregon after Iamaleava went down. Both players are listed as seniors but retain one additional year of eligibility under the NCAA's new five-for-five rule.
Iamaleava, the No. 2-ranked quarterback prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, was once projected to be in the NFL by now. He returned to UCLA for the 2027 season under new head coach Bob Chesney after a disappointing redshirt sophomore year. His 2027 campaign was solid but unspectacular before the ACL injury. Returning for another season allows him to rehabilitate within a Big Ten program's medical infrastructure and potentially improve his draft stock, while also securing another substantial NIL deal.
Dieffenbach, meanwhile, has performed at a level that one coach described as making "some throws better than Nico did." The 7-0 Bruins, preparing to face Nevada, could face a difficult decision if both quarterbacks remain on the roster. Dieffenbach could command Power Four starter-level compensation in 2027, and the situation is further complicated by the presence of Iamaleava's younger brother, Madden, on the roster. Dieffenbach beat out Madden Iamaleava for the backup role this season, raising the possibility of an open competition for the starting job next year.
