Will Indiana football face a challenge from Nico Iamaleava directing the UCLA offense on Saturday?
The Hoosiers are ranked No. 2 nationally and face, perhaps, the toughest test from an opposing offense the rest of the way. Partly because of Iamaleava who has shown during a three-game winning streak how he impacts games, or even during his time at Tennessee.
It’s also been a wholesale change on UCLA’s coaching staff which saw its coach and coordinators depart, leading to a three-game winning streak under interim coach Tim Skipper. Also key was Jerry Neuheisel being named offensive coordinator and drawing plenty of attention as the former Bruins’ quarterback has directed the offense to a tangible improvement.
That coming after former offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri parted ways with UCLA after four games. Sunseri was the lone staffer to leave Curt Cignetti’s staff after last season.
But there’s a question of Iamaleava’s health after injuring his knee in last week’s win vs Maryland.
Will Nico Iamaleava play for UCLA at IU football? What is Nico Iamaleava’s injury?
It’s unclear whether Iamaleava will play for the Bruins (3-4, 3-1 Big Ten). Iamaleava was not listed on the Big Ten injury report and will be available to play Saturday.
Though, Iamaleava did practice in the week leading up to the game at IU, according to social media evidence and On3’s Pete Nakos.
Nico Iamaleava UCLA football stats
Iamaleava in 2025 at UCLA: 135 of 207 (65..2%) for 1,355 yards passing, 10 TDs, 5 INTs; 74 rushes, 360 yards, 4 TDs.
Iamaleava in 2024 at Tennessee: 213 of 334 (63.8%), 2,616 yards passing, 19 TDs, 5 INTs; 109 rushes, 358 yards, 3 TDs.
Who is UCLA’s backup quarterback? Pierce Clarkson suspension, Luke Duncan backup
Should Iamaleava miss the game, it would be Luke Duncan as the backup, per the Los Angeles Times, which reported that suspended quarterback Pierce Clarkson may avoid charges after being arrested Sept. 5 on an unspecified felony charge, ESPN reported.
Who is Jerry Neuheisel? Is Jerry Neuheisel related to Rick Neuheisel?
Neuheisel is a former UCLA quarterback (2012 to 2015) and was elevated to offensive coordinator after four games in 2025. He is the son of former UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel.
How old is UCLA offensive coordinator Jerry Neuheisel?
Neuheisel is 33 years old.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Will UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava play against Indiana football? Injury, stats, backup
Reporting by Aaron Ferguson, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
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