Sportsvival had a handful of eye-catching performances to consider, but UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava takes this week’s Impact HVAC Player of the Week after engineering a statement upset at #10 Penn State. Iamaleava completed 17-of-24 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns and turned into a bruising threat on the ground with 16 carries for 128 yards and three rushing touchdowns, giving the Bruins the playmaking balance and finish they needed to pull off the win.
Iamaleava’s value wasn’t simply the totals but how he delivered them: controlled pocket presence on key downs, crisp decision-making in tight coverage, and the physicality to convert short-yardage situations with decisive runs. He mixed efficient throws to keep the chains moving with explosive rushes that flipped field position and deflated Penn State’s pass-rush aggression. That combination of accuracy, toughness, and scoring instinct in a hostile, high-pressure environment made him the decisive choice.
This outing marked a turning point for Iamaleava’s season—moving from tantalizing flashes to a full-fledged performance that orchestrated an upset. He protected the ball, extended plays without forcing throws, and repeatedly finished possessions with points, giving UCLA a reliable offensive engine when it mattered most.
Just Missed the Cut
QB – Julian Sayin, Ohio State: 23-of-27 passing; 326 yards; 3 touchdowns in a win over Minnesota
LB – David Bailey, Texas Tech: 11 QB pressures; 2 sacks; 1 forced fumble in a road win at Houston
WR – Chris Bell, Louisville: 12 receptions; 170 yards; 2 touchdowns in a 30–27 loss
LB – Kam Robinson, Virginia: 10 tackles; 1 interception
RB – Eli Heidenreich, Navy: 8 receptions; 243 yards; 3 touchdowns
Nico Iamaleava’s blend of efficiency through the air, finishing ability on the ground, and leadership in a ranked upset separates him from the week’s other strong box-score nights. Congratulations to UCLA’s playmaker — Impact HVAC Player of the Week.
(Photo courtesy of UCLA Athletics)