UCLA Quarterback Nico Iamaleava Returned to Practice
The Bruins starter participated in Tuesday practice following a shoulder injury against Purdue.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Should your local college football team prioritize recruiting backup players to handle starter injuries?
UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava returned to practice on Tuesday after suffering a right shoulder injury in the team's 52-38 victory over Purdue. Iamaleava is expected to be available for the upcoming matchup against Maryland this Saturday.
Why it matters
Iamaleava is the central figure of the Bruins offense, and his availability is critical for the team as they look to maintain momentum in their current season. Maintaining his health remains a priority after he left the field briefly during the Purdue contest.
In the game against Purdue, Iamaleava completed 19 of 31 passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns. Across the 2026 season, he has taken five sacks and recorded two interceptions while averaging 4.9 rushing yards per carry.
The players
Nico Iamaleava
He is the starting quarterback for the UCLA football team.
Madden Iamaleava
He is a reserve quarterback who briefly replaced the starter during the Purdue game.
Charles Correa
He is a linebacker who made the tackle that resulted in the quarterback's injury.
The details
Iamaleava sustained the injury after rolling to his right and being tackled by linebacker Charles Correa with 1:45 remaining in the third quarter. He jammed his shoulder while hitting the ground, forcing him to exit the game for one series, though he later returned in the fourth quarter.
Timeline
September 22, 2026: Nico Iamaleava participated in team practice.
September 26, 2026: UCLA is scheduled to face Maryland.
Season Trajectory
The availability of the starting quarterback significantly alters the Bruins' offensive ceiling as they move toward the middle of the 2026 season. His return stabilizes the team's depth chart, which had been tested by the short-term replacement of Madden Iamaleava against Purdue.
Iamaleava's return to practice suggests he will remain in the starting rotation for Saturday's game against Maryland. His presence ensures that backup Madden Iamaleava will likely return to a reserve role, limiting significant changes to the team's primary offensive schemes.
The takeaway
Quarterback injuries remain a critical factor in college football rotation management. Fans should monitor pre-game warmups on Saturday to confirm that the starting quarterback's shoulder has maintained its range of motion.
What happens next
Nico Iamaleava is projected to start for UCLA in the game against Maryland on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on the Bruins, visit Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Redlands Daily Facts.
Live Poll
Should your local college football team prioritize recruiting backup players to handle starter injuries?
