Nico Iamaleava Soaks Up UCLA Love After Transfer Portal Chaos at Spring Showcase

Nico Iamaleava was previously the starting quarterback for Tennessee before entering the transfer portal. His departure from Tennessee was primarily due to NIL contract disputes, with reports suggesting he sought a higher NIL deal but could not agree with the program.

After leaving Tennessee, Iamaleava was linked to several schools before finally committing to UCLA through the transfer portal. His recent visit to UCLA’s Spring Showcase sparked excitement, with many believing he could soon be headed to Los Angeles.

From Transfer Turmoil to Fan Adoration For Nico Iamaleava

Iamaleava has officially transferred to UCLA and is set to join the team right after Tennessee’s spring semester ends. While he hasn’t hit the field yet, UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster confirmed that Iamaleava will begin learning the playbook virtually before arriving on campus.

Foster said, “As soon as he’s done with school, we’ll be able to start learning online or virtually with our coaches and everything. He’s played quarterback at a high level. When you’re switching teams, that’s not the hardest thing to do.”

Tennessee’s final exams run from May 9 to May 14, after which he will officially join UCLA’s practices. Fans, however, are eager to see him in action. The excitement was already electric when he appeared alongside his younger brother, Madden, at the Bruins’ Spring Showcase. His appearance showed that he’s already a fan favorite.

UCLA transfer QB commit Nico Iamaleava was in attendance for the Bruins’ spring showcase over the weekend🐻

(via @RHaylock)https://t.co/8tq398pkPu pic.twitter.com/oqYkx1kzIA

— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal_) May 5, 2025

Iamaleava stood out effortlessly—6-foot-6, towering over others, dressed in designer clothing and sunglasses. He carried himself confidently, and no one could tell he had just undergone a challenging transfer process. How he greeted his new coaches with hugs felt like the start of a new era for UCLA football.

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Though his official on-field debut is still months away, the hype surrounding Iamaleava feels real. His presence alone signals that Los Angeles is gearing up for a big season under his leadership.