Ohio State Dominates UCLA as Iamaleava Faces Uncertain Return

The Ohio State Buckeyes overwhelmed the UCLA Bruins, defeating them 48-10 in Columbus, significantly impacting UCLA’s season. The Bruins played without their starting quarterback, Nico Iamaleava, who was ruled out just hours before kickoff due to a concussion sustained during their previous game against Nebraska, which ended in a 28-21 loss.

Interim coach Tim Skipper revealed that the team’s awareness of Iamaleava’s condition came late, informing redshirt sophomore Luke Duncan that he would start just the night before the game. Following the loss to Ohio State, Skipper provided an update on Iamaleava’s status as the Bruins prepare to face the Washington Huskies in their final home game of the season.

“He’s with the doctors, so they tell me what’s going on,” Skipper said. “He’ll just be day-to-day and those things are tricky. Until they clear him, he is out.” The coach noted that Iamaleava’s symptoms had not been made public until shortly before the game.

Skipper explained the timeline surrounding Iamaleava’s diagnosis, stating, “In the beginning of the work week, he was not feeling well. He was out there and couldn’t stay out there, so he went in and we did all the tests and things like that and he came back diagnosed with a concussion. He went into concussion protocol and he just never cleared out of that. He wasn’t able to go today.”

While the uncertainty surrounding Iamaleava’s return looms, Duncan’s performance against Ohio State may offer a glimpse of hope for the Bruins. Despite early nerves, including delay of game penalties, Duncan completed 16 of 23 passes for 154 yards and threw a touchdown pass to Kwazi Gilmer. Skipper expressed confidence in Duncan’s ability to step up if needed, saying, “He’s working like everybody else. He’s been working since I’ve been in this seat here. If he has to go, we’re ready to roll, he’ll go. But we’re going to get through today and we’ll get through the week and see where we’re at.”

As the Bruins gear up for their next match, discussions surrounding UCLA potentially relocating its home games to SoFi Stadium are intensifying. The upcoming clash against Washington might also mark the last regular-season game for the Bruins at the Rose Bowl. Additionally, uncertainty surrounds Iamaleava’s future with the team. Earlier in the season, he expressed his intention to enter the NFL draft after the season; however, given his struggles this year, it is possible he may choose to return.

This could also be a pivotal moment for Skipper, who has served as interim coach on two occasions. His future remains uncertain, but he has demonstrated resilience and commitment throughout a challenging season.

As UCLA prepares for its next challenge, fans are eager to see how the team will adapt to the ongoing changes and uncertainties. For updates and analyses on UCLA Bruins athletics, follow UCLA Bruins On SI and on X (Twitter) @UCLAInsideronSI.