The wear and tear from Nebraska's game caught up to Nico Iamaleava. As he suffered a concussion during that game and didn't progress enough through the protocol. The starting quarterback will miss today's game against Ohio State. Leading to Luke Duncan getting his first career start in a hostile environment against the number on team and defense in the country.
UCLA with be without quarterback Nico Iamaleava today at Ohio State, sources confirm to ESPN. He’s dealing with a concussion that occurred in the Nebraska game and will not play on Saturday. Redshirt sophomore Luke Duncan will get his first career start. On3 first reported. pic.twitter.com/5wbMLIqp4I
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 15, 2025
Iamaleava didn't have much time to throw in the Nebraska game but managed to make it through the game. He was pressured on the majority of his drop backs throughout the game and often had to scramble to make plays. To make matters worse in the first quarter he lost his best offensive lineman in Garrett DiGiorgio, leading to more pressure from the gaps. It has been a task to try and keep him upright this year.
UCLA was already 31 point underdogs in this game and now have to turn to a quarterback who has only appeared in one game in mop up time. As Duncan came into the Michigan State game that was already out of hand. This is a tough spot for the sophomore quarterback as Ohio State is looking to continue their unbeaten streak and head towards the College Football Playoff.
UCLA QB Nico Iamaleava will not play today at Ohio State because of a concussion, sources told @On3Sports. Iamaleava, who started all 9 games for the Bruins, is the only quarterback that has attempted a pass for UCLA this seasonhttps://t.co/lKGEa3UrEI
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) November 15, 2025
Since the news dropped, within an hour there were heavy backings of Ohio State pushing the line to 34 points. UCLA looks to have a long night ahead. The hope is that Iamaleava can return next week for the Washington, because if not it is very possible the Nebraska game could be the last game Iamaleava suits up for UCLA.