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Nico Iamaleava Announces Transfer to UCLA After Thorough Consideration
Apr
Nico Iamaleava, the highly touted quarterback formerly with the Tennessee Volunteers, made a major announcement on social media that he will be transferring to UCLA. This decision comes after a period of careful thought and reflection, marking the end of his journey with Tennessee and the beginning of a new chapter with the Bruins.
In his heartfelt Instagram post, Iamaleava described the decision as “incredibly difficult” but expressed trust in God’s timing. “My journey at UT has come to an end,” he wrote. “This decision was extremely difficult, and truthfully, I didn’t expect to make this decision so soon. But I trust in God’s timing, and I believe He will lead me to where I need to be.”
Iamaleava’s decision to transfer has been linked to tensions surrounding NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) agreements. While the quarterback was reportedly seeking a $4 million deal for the upcoming season with Tennessee, his father, Nic Iamaleava, publicly denied that money was the driving factor behind his son’s departure. Instead, it was a combination of factors, including financial disagreements, that led to his exit.
As one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the nation, Iamaleava is returning to Southern California, where he first gained recognition as a five-star recruit out of Long Beach. He had initially committed to UCLA during his high school days, and now, under the guidance of second-year head coach Deshaun Foster, he will play a pivotal role in the Bruins’ offense.
During his time at Tennessee, Iamaleava threw for 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns, leading the Vols to the College Football Playoff. Despite their playoff appearance, Tennessee’s national title hopes were dashed by a loss to Ohio State.
Now, Iamaleava looks forward to this new chapter at UCLA, ready to build on his promising career and further showcase his talents on the field.
