Nico Iamaleava has made a decision about his next school.
Iamaleava is set to transfer to UCLA, according to two different reports. Colin Cowherd reported the news on Wednesday and added that Iamaleava’s family says the quarterback left Tennessee in part due to issues with the Volunteers’ offense.
I am told — moments ago — Nico Iamaleava is going to UCLA. Family still claims it’s NOT about the 💰It’s about the @Vol_Football offense. I was not told what the Bruins are paying.
— Colin Cowherd (@colincowherd) April 16, 2025
Bruce Feldman, who also reported that Iamaleava is expected to transfer to UCLA, says that the Iamaleava family sought to have Tennessee upgrade its offensive line and wide receivers this offseason. Additionally, Nico wanted to renegotiate and was seeking $4 million in NIL money. Tennessee declined to meet the asking price, which has led Iamaleava to transfer.
Iamaleava is from Long Beach, Calif., and spent two years at Tennessee. He threw for 2,616 yards with 19 touchdown passes and 5 interceptions in his first year as a full-time starter last season. He also rushed for 358 yards and 3 scores while helping the Vols reach the College Football Playoff.
He is leaving a team that made the College Football Playoff for a UCLA squad that went 5-7 last year and ranked 126th out of 134 schools in points per game. Details surrounding any NIL deal between Iamaleava and UCLA have not yet been released.
