Oregon head coach Dan Lanning has confirmed that defensive lineman Bear Alexander will not face team discipline for an apparent punch to UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava during the Ducks' 17-15 loss on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters Monday night, Lanning explained that Alexander was attempting to knock the football loose rather than deliberately strike the Bruins quarterback. The incident occurred in the second quarter at Autzen Stadium, when Iamaleava scrambled before being brought down by Alexander and Oregon linebacker Jerry Mixon.

Television replays appeared to show Alexander swinging his right arm and striking Iamaleava's helmet as the quarterback lay on the ground. The play also involved contact with the quarterback's leg, and he subsequently suffered a knee injury that is expected to end his season. Iamaleava sustained a torn ACL, according to On3's Pete Nakos.

While the apparent punch went unpenalized during the game, footage of the incident drew widespread attention on social media afterward. Alexander finished with six tackles in the loss.

NEW: Oregon head coach Dan Lanning says DL Bear Alexander will not face any punishment for his play on QB Nico Iamaleava.

Lanning said it was a “ball shot.” He added Alexander “feels bad about it.”

(via CBS) pic.twitter.com/oiA7c17ltB

— On3 (@On3) October 13, 2026

UCLA head coach Bob Chesney addressed the incident during his Monday press conference, criticizing Alexander's apparent punch.

The Bruins coach did not witness the contact as it happened but reviewed the footage afterward and described the action as “egregious.” He also said there was serious concern about Iamaleava's condition while the team awaited further information about the injury and its recovery timeline.

Iamaleava momentarily returned to the field before halftime but did not play in the second half. His injury came as UCLA pursued a win that improved its record to 5-0 and was its first win at Autzen Stadium since 2004.

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The Bruins led 10-6 when the incident occurred and extended their advantage to 17-6 in the fourth quarter. The Ducks responded with nine points but failed to complete a game-tying two-point conversion, allowing UCLA to secure victory.

Alexander's situation also drew comparisons with the controversy surrounding Bruins linebacker Desman Stephens II, who was suspended after landing a hard hit to Oregon quarterback Dante Moore.

The Big Ten has not yet announced a disciplinary decision regarding the incident. The Ducks, now 3-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play, is scheduled to host Nebraska on Saturday night at Autzen Stadium.