Even though Nico Iamaleava is only starting his second full season of college football, he has one goal in mind: to make the jump. When asked about the future during Big Ten Media Days, the UCLA quarterback didn’t hesitate.
“This is a year where I’m really trying to get out after,” Iamaleava said about his NFL aspirations. “I’m going to give my all to UCLA and, you know, if I have the year I want, I want to get out.”
A statement like that could make most players and fan bases squirm. Iamaleava sees it as just another phase of what has already been one of the most talked-about offseasons in college football.
The former five-star quarterback arrived in Los Angeles and immediately became the face of a new era in Westwood. It all happened following a widely reported argument with Tennessee over NIL terms.
Nico Iamaleava didn’t show up at UCLA in silence. In addition to creating a media frenzy, his transfer from Tennessee immediately improved UCLA’s standing going into their second Big Ten season.
With a potential top-10 NFL Draft pick to spearhead the offense, and their best recruiting class in over a decade. The Bruins are trying to change their course under first-year head coach DeShaun Foster.
Iamaleava has emerged as one of the nation’s most intriguing quarterback prospects with his arm talent and mobility. As a freshman, he led the Vols to a 10-3 record and a College Football Playoff berth.
All Eyes on Nico Iamaleava Heading Into 2025
NFL scouts are already paying attention to Nico Iamaleava. According to Ric Serritella of All Access Football, Iamaleava has the skillset to succeed in the NFL.
“He has all the physical tools of a franchise signal-caller,” Serritella said.
“One of the early names to keep an eye on for the 2026 NFL Draft is Iamaleava because of his combination of potential and polish,” he ADDED.
Nico Iamaleava’s play last season was occasionally erratic particularly when facing elite SEC opponents. Although overall, he displayed exceptional deep ball accuracy and composure under pressure.
The difficulty now at UCLA is maintaining consistency. Along with playing against unfamiliar Big Ten defenses, he will be doing it in a brand-new system and under a new head coach. He needs to demonstrate to scouts that he is prepared to make the move as soon as possible and that he is one of the best college football players.
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