Nico Iamaleava injury update: Tim Skipper reveals where UCLA QB stands with neck issue

UCLA interim head coach Tim Skipper offered the first detailed update on quarterback Nico Iamaleava after the Bruins’ signal-caller exited Saturday night’s loss to Washington with what appeared to be a neck injury.

Skipper described the issue as “neck spasm stuff” and classified Iamaleava as day-to-day ahead of UCLA’s season finale against USC: “Nico had some neck spasm stuff happen,” Skipper said. “Just kind of got tackled funny. Didn’t calm down enough for him to get back into the game.

“Right now, we’re still kind of waiting. He’s doing all his rehab stuff today. We’ll see where he is. I guess the best way to put it right now is he’s day-to-day. That’s where that is with Nico.”

The injury occurred midway through the third quarter when Iamaleava was sacked and appeared to take helmet-to-helmet contact. He immediately went to the medical tent with UCLA trailing 27–0 and did not return. Before his exit, the quarterback struggled against the Huskies’ defense, finishing 16-of-26 for 69 yards with no touchdowns and two fumbles.

Iamaleava, who transferred to UCLA this offseason after two seasons at Tennessee, entered the year carrying high expectations. He had been billed as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country after throwing for 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2024 while helping lead the Volunteers to a College Football Playoff appearance.

But his transition to Westwood has been anything but smooth. An NIL dispute hastened his departure from Knoxville, and the Bruins’ season unraveled early with an 0–4 start that led to head coach DeShaun Foster’s firing.

Despite flashes of potential, Iamaleava has battled inconsistency behind a struggling offensive line. He has thrown for 1,728 yards and 12 touchdowns this season, but also seven interceptions, as UCLA has fallen to 3–8 overall with four straight losses.

His status now becomes one of the biggest storylines heading into rivalry week as the Bruins prepare to face USC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

Whether Iamaleava is cleared or the Bruins are forced to turn to a backup, Skipper emphasized that UCLA won’t rush their quarterback. For a program searching for stability at the end of a turbulent year, his availability could dictate whether the Bruins can salvage some momentum in their final game of the season.