Bruins QB Nico Iamaleava Will Sit Out Ohio State Game Due to Concussion Protocol Review

The announcement that UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava will be sidelined for Saturday’s pivotal matchup against No. 1 Ohio State due to a concussion has sparked vital conversations regarding player safety. Reports indicate that the concussion went undiagnosed during the entirety of last weekend's game against Nebraska, where Iamaleava suffered the head injury in a tightly contested 28-21 loss. Alarmingly, symptoms did not surface until after the game, leading to the diagnosis earlier this week.Iamaleava, who excelled with 191 passing yards and two touchdowns, played through an injury that raises profound questions about the current protocols for in-game assessments. The fact that a significant head injury was overlooked poses severe risks, especially for quarterbacks who frequently endure hits. The incident invites scrutiny of UCLA's athletic medical staff and the NCAA's concussion management practices, highlighting the need for more effective objective testing methods. Currently, Iamaleava must navigate through mandatory protocols before he can resume play, as the Bruins prepare redshirt sophomore Luke Duncan for his debut against the undefeated Buckeyes.