Niko Yamalealva he will likely have a chance to make inter-city rivalry history.
Barring a setback, the UCLA guard is expected to play against USC on Saturday afternoon when the teams meet at the Coliseum, according to one person familiar with the situation who was not authorized to discuss it publicly due to the sensitivity of the health issues.
After being limited by neck spasms earlier in the week, Yamaleawa participated fully in practice on Thursday and Friday. If he continues to feel good in warmups, he will start for the Bruins (3-8 overall, 3-5 Big Ten) against the No. 17 Trojans (8-3, 6-2).
In recent weeks, Yamaleawa has suffered one injury after another. After missing the Bruins' game against Ohio State with a concussion, he returned to play against Washington the following week. Late in the game against the Huskies, Yamaleawa took a devastating hit and left with neck spasms, forcing backup Luke Duncan to replace him.
Yamaleawa has undoubtedly been the Bruins' best player since transferring from Tennessee, completing 63.5 percent of his passes for 1,728 yards with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also leads the team with 641 yards and four touchdowns on 101 carries.
The Bruins are expected to bring back tight end Hudson Habermehl after he was removed from concussion protocol. But tight end Jack Pedersen (high ankle), wide receiver Rico Flores Jr. (calf) and running back Jayvian Thomas (unspecified injury) are listed as questionable.
Cornerback Rodrick Pleasant will not play after undergoing surgery this week to repair a shoulder injury.
