How much more of Ty Dieffenbach should UCLA Bruin fans expect to see? A whole lot. Bob Chesney announced that Nico Iamaleava is undergoing surgery and will be out for UCLA, leaving the starting spot open for Dieffenbach to take advantage of.

Dieffenbach has passed his first two tests, holding off the Oregon Ducks in Autzen Stadium and then defeating the Wisconsin Badgers to move the Bruins to 6-0. Not only can Dieffenbach stick around this season for UCLA, he could potentially be with the team next season as well.

California Post reporter Ben Bolch reported that Dieffenbach will have “at least” one more season of NCAA eligibility following the 2026 season. Dieffenbach is in his fourth season of college football but just his second with game action. 

Dieffenbach did not play in his two seasons with Pittsburgh before transferring and starting last season with Cal Poly. Following the season with the Mustangs, Dieffenbach joined UCLA to battle for a spot as Iamaleava’s backup.

Dieffenbach was battling against Iamaleava’s young brother, Madden Iamaleava, for the second-string spot but now he’ll have a chance to start for the Bruins for at least the remainder of the season.

So far this season, Dieffenbach has thrown for one touchdown, one interception with 307 passing yards, going 25-39 through the air. Dieffenbach is a tall quarterback, standing at 6’6”, and has shown tremendous arm talent in his six quarters of game action with UCLA.