UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava caused significant controversy when he split with Tennessee in search of more NIL money elsewhere.
Already set to earn roughly $2.2 million in 2025, Iamaleava and his representatives were reportedly pursuing an NIL deal worth $4 million. As negotiations stalled, the quarterback no-showed practice and was subsequently shown the door — a divorce he welcomed.
Iamaleava has quickly found out that while the money may still be green, the grass isn’t.
On Friday night, Iamaleava and the Bruins dropped to 0-3 on the season following a blowout loss to New Mexico. The game effectively came to an end when the quarterback tossed a third-down interception late in the fourth quarter.
Meanwhile, back in Tennessee, the Volunteers are the 15th-ranked team in the country and will take their 2-0 record into a battle with Georgia on Saturday afternoon.
Unsurprisingly, fans had some fun at Iamaleava and UCLA’s expense.
Nico Iamaleava leaving Tennessee because they wouldn’t pay him anymore is a historic fumble. He now plays for a winless UCLA team in an empty stadium. Netflix is going to make a documentary about this.
— Austin (@AustinPlanet) September 13, 2025
UNTOLD: Chasing Money.
How does Nico Iamaleava go from playing in front of 100,000 at Tennessee (SEC) to UCLA whos a dumpster fire. Whoever has this kid ear needs to get fired.
— X Most Wanted (@CIApiFL) September 13, 2025
Compounding the issue for Iamaleava, he’s making significantly less money at UCLA than he would have at Tennessee.
The good news for Nico Iamaleava is that yeah, he may be losing a ton at UCLA, but at least hes making way less money doing it pic.twitter.com/GCALG5ANB9
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) September 13, 2025
The Nico Iamaleava transfer already had to be one of the worst ROIs on a deal in history
— Sebastian Fearon DPT, CSCS, OCS (@TheDegenDoc) September 13, 2025
Add $1.25 Million for paying New Mexico to come into the Rose Bowl & beat you by FOUR SCORES 😮💨
Say a prayer for UCLA fans tonight pic.twitter.com/h2ViuUAnJp
In three games this season, Iamaleava has thrown for just 608 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. And of UCLA’s three losses, two have come in games they were viewed as significant favorites.
Not only did Iamaleava leave winning and more money for losing and less money, but his future draft stock is dropping with each ugly performance.
Greed is not the way to go. Clearly.
