UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava intends to forgo the NFL draft and return to college next season, his agent told Pete Nakos of On3.
Iamaleava underwent season-ending ACL surgery earlier this month.
The senior quarterback completed 62.1% of passes for 982 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions in five games this campaign. He also rushed for 144 yards and another touchdown of his own before injuring his left knee in the first half of the Bruins' 17-15 win over Oregon on Oct. 10.
UCLA went 5-0 with Iamaleava to begin the season. Since turning to backup Ty Dieffenbach, the Bruins have stayed perfect with wins over Wisconsin and Michigan State.
In a social media post earlier Thursday, Iamaleava said he was "heartbroken" about how his season ended.
"I've finally accepted that this year is really over for me," he wrote on Instagram. "This wasn't a part of the plan, but I believe everything happens for a reason. I gave this game and my brothers everything I had and I'll continue to lean on God and trust His plan. I'll be back."
The 22-year-old was in his second year with the Bruins after spending his freshman and sophomore campaigns at Tennessee.
