UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava ruled out vs. Ohio State with concussion: Reports

UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava has been dominated out of Saturday’s recreation in opposition to top-ranked Ohio State in Columbus resulting from a concussion, in accordance with a number of reviews.

The redshirt sophomore sustained the harm through the Bruins’ 28-21 loss to Nebraska on the Rose Bowl final Saturday. UCLA got here up brief regardless of a late rally, and Iamaleava completed with 191 passing yards and two touchdowns, plus 86 dashing yards on 15 carries. Based on On3, which first reported the information, Iamaleava didn’t exhibit concussion signs till after the sport.

Iamaleava’s transfer to UCLA attracted nationwide consideration through the offseason. The previous five-star prospect left Tennessee throughout spring apply — his remaining look coming in opposition to Ohio State within the first spherical of the Faculty Soccer Playoff — amid reviews that his household was in a contract dispute with this system. Iamaleava signed a extremely publicized $8 million cope with the Volunteers whereas nonetheless in highschool, making him some of the mentioned prospects within the sport.

Redshirt sophomore Luke Duncan, the Bruins’ backup quarterback who has not but tried a move in a school recreation, will take the reins below middle. He briefly dealt with first-team reps throughout UCLA spring practices after Joey Aguilar transferred to Tennessee and Iamaleava was nonetheless in Knoxville to shut out the college yr. An in-state product from Miramonte Excessive Faculty in Orinda, Calif., Duncan was a three-star recruit, in accordance with ESPN and 247Sports.

In a roller-coaster season for the Bruins — from an 0-4 begin that led to the firing of head coach DeShaun Foster to an upset of then-No. 7 Penn State to spark a three-game successful streak — Iamaleava has thrown for 1,659 yards and 12 touchdowns. His legs, nonetheless, have salvaged the Bruins after they wanted it most; he leads the group with 4 dashing TDs and has posted 4.9 yards per rush.

UCLA is 3-6 and must win out to be bowl-eligible. After going through the undefeated Buckeyes, the Bruins host Washington subsequent week earlier than a crosstown showdown at USC to shut out the common season on Nov. 29.