UCLA Faces Oregon With Former Five Star Quarterbacks

UCLA and Oregon will meet in a top 25 college football matchup as both programs rely on former five star quarterbacks Nico Iamaleava and Dylan Raiola to lead their offenses. The Bruins enter unbeaten, while the Ducks seek a major conference victory. According to USA TODAY, UCLA is led by Iamaleava, who was ranked the No. 2 overall player and No. 2 quarterback in the 2023 recruiting class.

Oregon's Raiola was ranked the No. 2 quarterback in the 2024 recruiting cycle. USA TODAY reported that both quarterbacks transferred after beginning their college careers at other programs. Iamaleava moved to UCLA before the 2025 season after spending two seasons at Tennessee.

Iamaleava developed at Long Beach Poly and Warren in California during high school. According to USA TODAY, he completed 60% of his passes for 1,004 yards and 17 touchdowns with one interception as a sophomore.

USA TODAY reported that Iamaleava improved during his junior season at Warren, throwing for 2,244 yards and 33 touchdowns with one interception. In his final high school season, he helped Warren finish 9-2 while recording 1,986 passing yards and 25 touchdowns. For UCLA in 2026, Iamaleava has thrown for 820 yards and four touchdowns during the Bruins' unbeaten start, according to USA TODAY and FOX News. FOX News reported UCLA opened the season 4-0 with wins over Cal, San Diego State University, Purdue and Maryland.

Raiola began his high school career in Texas before finishing in Georgia. USA TODAY reported that he played under former NFL quarterback Jon Kitna at Burleson High School, where he passed for 3,341 yards and 32 touchdowns with five interceptions. USA TODAY reported Raiola later played at Chandler High School in Arizona, completing 64% of his passes for 2,435 yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior. He finished high school at Buford in Georgia with 2,819 yards and 34 touchdowns with one interception.

Raiola initially committed to Georgia before switching to Nebraska after his senior season, according to USA TODAY. He played two seasons at Nebraska before transferring to Oregon in January. FOX News reported Oregon entered the matchup ranked No. 13 nationally with a 3-1 record.

The Ducks opened with a win over Boise State, lost to Oklahoma State, defeated Portland State 84-0 and beat USC 41-27. FOX News reported UCLA's offense has relied heavily on the rushing attack, with the Bruins running the ball 60 more times than they have passed this season. Oregon entered the game ranked 39th nationally against the run, according to the report.