UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava will not play Saturday against No. 1 Ohio State because of a concussion, sources confirmed to ESPN. This leaves the Bruins without their offensive leader as they try to stay alive in the postseason race.
Iamaleava, who was injured in last week’s loss to Nebraska, began experiencing concussion symptoms after the game, according to On3, which first reported his expected absence. The sophomore transfer from Tennessee had started all nine games and was the only UCLA quarterback to attempt a pass this season.
With Iamaleava sidelined, Luke Duncan will make his first career start. Duncan has yet to attempt a college pass and now faces the nation’s top-ranked team on the road, putting interim offensive coordinator Jerry Neuheisel in scramble mode to adjust the game plan.
Iamaleava has thrown for 1,659 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 63% of his passes. He also rushed for 474 yards and four scores, providing most of UCLA’s offensive spark during its three-game winning streak in October, which included a win over then-No. 7 Penn State.
The Bruins (3-6) have since dropped two straight and must win out to reach bowl eligibility.
