Safe to say, Nico Iamaleava did not see 2025 going this way. The talented quarterback was coming off a solid season at Tennessee, but an NIL dispute led to his transfer. Iamaleava ended up at UCLA, and his early-season performances have been disastrous for a 0-2 Bruins team.
Iamaleava was the nation’s No. 2 overall prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, as per 247sports. After mostly sitting that year, Iamaleava threw for 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns, helping Tennessee reach a CFP berth. That said, after his transfer, his new season is off to a miserable start (391 yards, two TDs, and two interceptions).
But before he plays in four games, Iamaleava can transfer and retain the season as a redshirt year. Here are five possible transfer portal landing spots for Iamaleava.
Top 5 Possible Transfer Portal Landing Spots For Nico Iamaleava
Florida State
The Seminoles are back after a miserable 2024 season. But QB Tommy Castellanos is a senior, so there is a likely opening. FSU is likely to return to the offensively impressive works of 2022 and 2023, putting up 35-ish points per game and allowing their QB the freedom to throw a bunch of passes. Yes, Iamaleava is a rehabilitation project here, but he’s a talented one that could fit in better in the ACC than the Big Ten.
Utah
The Utes are also bouncing back from a disappointing 2024 season. However, veteran coach Kyle Whittingham has put together some deeply impressive offensive teams over the years. Yes, the current QB, Devon Dampier, is just a junior, but Utah isn’t a team that tends to be afraid of competition, particularly at QB. If Iamaleava is healthy and ready to take over, Utah could be a nice chance to grab the reins for a team on the way back up.
Virginia Tech
On the other hand, coach Brent Pry is in grave jeopardy of losing his job at Virginia Tech. This could be a starting-over spot for Iamaleava. The current Hokies QB is a senior and hasn’t been effective anyway. Tech has fallen on hard times, but with a rejuvenated coaching staff, it has the right set-up to be competitive in the ACC. Iamaleava might be around for two seasons and could be a worthwhile take for Va. Tech as a transfer.
Oklahoma State
Likewise, venerable Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy could lose his job. A chance to start over in a rebuild with a new coach – who will likely be an offensive guru based on Gundy’s track record – could be right up Iamaleava’s alley. The Big 12 is a great league for QBs, and that could be another factor in favor of this jump. After playing in two of the toughest leagues, a step back could help Iamaleava take a step forward in 2026.
Colorado
The Buffs are likely in the midst of a massive QB shakedown, with Ryan Staub apparently now the starter. That seems unlikely to go well with senior transfer Kaidon Salter or freshman QB Julian Lewis. If the QB room is indeed stripped down, Coach Prime (or whoever eventually replaces him) will need an experienced passer to jump in, ready to play. Colorado, given all the passing, could be a fun play for Nico to land.
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