UCLA Quarterback Nico Iamaleava Out with Concussion Before Matchup Against Ohio State

COLUMBUS, Ohio — UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava will not play Saturday against No. 1 Ohio State due to a concussion, sources confirmed to ESPN. Iamaleava suffered the concussion during the Bruins’ 28-21 loss to Nebraska, with symptoms appearing only after the game.

In that contest, Iamaleava completed 17 of 25 passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 86 yards on 15 carries. This season, he has amassed 1,659 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, solidifying his role as a dual-threat quarterback for the Bruins.

With Iamaleava sidelined, redshirt sophomore Luke Duncan is expected to make his first career start. Duncan has yet to attempt a pass in college, adding pressure as he prepares to face the top-ranked Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium.

Iamaleava, a transfer from Tennessee, began the season as the only Bruins quarterback to see playing time. He had previously led Tennessee to its first College Football Playoff appearance in 2024 but faced Ohio State in the first round, where the Volunteers lost.

Despite the Bruins’ current 3-6 record, they need to win their remaining games to become bowl eligible. UCLA previously fired head coach DeShaun Foster after a challenging start to the season, with Tim Skipper stepping in as interim head coach.

The Buckeyes are currently favored by 33.5 points, raising the stakes for Duncan’s debut in a crucial Big Ten matchup.