Nico Iamaleava is among the most polarizing players in the college football world right now due to his decision to jump ship and enter the transfer portal after spending two seasons with Tennessee.
Many analysts and media houses reported that Iamaleava asked Josh Heupel for a bigger NIL deal after Carson Beck reportedly signed a $4 million deal to sign with the Miami Hurricanes.
After his request was allegedly declined, he committed to UCLA and represented the Bruins for the first time during the Big Ten Media Days at Las Vegas.
When asked about his decision to leave Tennessee, he said it didn’t have anything to do with money and just wanted to be closer to home, a statement which many fans didn’t buy.
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“I’ll always root for the players. But this one is confusing. Give him the benefit of the doubt – but why move 2,000 miles away to start with if that is the case?” one fan questioned.
“Why were you trying to sell your services to Oregon? Let’s be real, your father wanted more money and you’re the pawn that is being used. Unfortunately his calculations netted less money playing for an inferior team at a place where there is little to no support from the community for the program. I would like to wish you the best, however that is not possible considering the circumstances. I will be rooting for your opponent throughout this season,” another fan expressed frustration.
“So when his draft stock isn’t Better next season and he bolts for more money and a better situation than the grease fire that is UCLA, what’s the excuse going to be. Just be honest man,” another fan added.
“So we’re just lying now,” Another fan took a jab at Iamaleava over the statement.
“A lie don’t care who tell it. If it wasn’t about money then when you went to coach Heupel and he told you no. The very next day you ghosted all your former coaches and teammates. It was definitely about money. Why else would you leave a program that went to the college football playoffs to a trash school?” another fan added.
“Stop the Cap… why lie now,” another fan commented.
Nico Iamaleava Shares Thoughts Towards Dan Lanning
As Nico Iamaleava’s transfer portal news caught fire, ESPN reported that his representatives reached out to Dan Lanning’s Oregon before spring practice
While it was reported that Oregon declined his interest, Josh Pate teased the idea that Lanning reached out to Heupel to let him know about the situation.
During the Big Ten Media Days, Iamaleava was asked about his thoughts about Lanning after the alleged incident.
“I knew Dan Lanning when he was recruiting me at Oregon,” Iamaleava said. “I have nothing but respect for coach Dan Lanning.”
UCLA will kickoff the 2025 season against Utah in Pasadena on Aug. 30.
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