LOS ANGELES — UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava returned to practice on Tuesday morning, participating in drills just days after missing the Bruins’ 48-10 loss to No. 1 Ohio State due to concussion-like symptoms. This development may indicate Iamaleava’s potential availability for UCLA’s final home game against Washington on November 18, 2023.
During the 40-minute media period, Iamaleava joined backup quarterback Luke Duncan, who started against Ohio State. Interim head coach Tim Skipper shared that Iamaleava, along with redshirt senior offensive linemen Garrett DiGiorgio and Reuben Unije, had been working in the training room prior to practice. All three players participated in drills on the intramural fields, as the team adjusted their practice location to protect the condition of Spaulding Field following recent storms.
Skipper noted on Monday that the team’s injury situation remained fluid, stating it was still “day-to-day” regarding who would be practicing as the starter. He expressed confidence in Duncan, stating, “If (Luke) has to go, it’s fine with me; we’ll roll with it.”
Teammate and redshirt junior tight end Jack Pedersen observed Iamaleava’s return positively, emphasizing the team’s productive practice session. “We had a great day of practice out there,” Pedersen said.
This was the first game Iamaleava missed all season, contributing to UCLA’s difficult stretch as the team fell to 3-7 overall, including three consecutive losses. This marks the first time since the beginning of the season that the Bruins have faced such a losing streak, prompting significant changes within the coaching staff.
In reflecting on the challenges of competing against top-ranked teams, Skipper highlighted the learning opportunities these games present. He noted, “You’re always going to learn from those experiences – they’re ranked that way for a reason. They’re machines.” He pointed out the disciplined play exhibited by higher-ranked teams, illustrating the importance of maintaining a positive approach and minimizing penalties.
UCLA has only two games remaining to conclude the season on a high note, with the upcoming match against Washington (7-3, 4-3 Big Ten) serving as a critical opportunity for redemption. For redshirt senior defensive lineman Keanu Williams, this season symbolizes a full-circle moment in his collegiate career, having transferred from Oregon and experienced a transformative journey at UCLA.
Williams reflected on his early days in college football, offering advice to his younger self: “Just hang in there. It gets better. It starts off hard, but don’t give up; don’t throw in the towel. Just keep your mindset the same. Just keep pushing.”
As the Bruins prepare for their next challenge, the stakes are high not just for the team but also for the seniors, as Saturday could potentially mark their last appearance at the historic Rose Bowl. The pressure is on for UCLA to deliver a strong performance and finish the season positively.
