Nico Iamaleava, once Tennessee’s star quarterback, made headlines by transferring to UCLA. The move came after a rocky end to his time with the Volunteers. Reports hint at a potential sour NIL deal negotiation that pushed the young player to consider other teams. Here’s everything we know so far about the story behind Iamaleava’s transfer.
Why Did Nico Lamaleava Leave Tennessee And Join UCLA?
Iamaleava’s journey at Tennessee started with promise. As a five-star recruit from Long Beach, California, he joined the Volunteers with high expectations. He redshirted his freshman year, learning the ropes.
In his first year as a starter, he threw for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns, and five interceptions. His 63.8% completion rate helped Tennessee reach the College Football Playoff. However, things didn’t go smoothly for long.
Struggles came in big games. Against Ohio State in the playoff, Iamaleava managed only 104 yards. Losses to Arkansas and Georgia showed weaknesses, too. In nine SEC games and the playoff, he passed for over 200 yards just twice. Tennessee’s offense ranked ninth in SEC scoring, averaging 25 points per game. Fans expected more from their star.
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Things took a turn in April 2025. Iamaleava wanted to renegotiate his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal. His contract with Spyre Sports Group paid $2.4 million yearly. His team pushed for $4 million. Tennessee’s staff wasn’t pleased. Iamaleava also raised concerns about the Volunteers’ offensive scheme. He felt it didn’t suit his style.
Tensions boiled over. On April 11, Iamaleava skipped practice and meetings before Tennessee’s spring game. He didn’t tell the team. Coach Josh Heupel decided enough was enough.
“My journey at UT has come to an end,” Iamaleava later posted on Instagram. “This decision was incredibly difficult, and truthfully, not something I expected to make this soon.”
Heupel moved forward without him, stating, “There’s no one bigger than the Power T, and that includes me.”
Iamaleava entered the transfer portal on April 16 with a “do not contact” tag. This meant he likely had a destination in mind. That destination was UCLA. On April 20, he announced his commitment. “Even though this chapter is ending, a new chapter has begun, and I am committed to UCLA!” he wrote.
Why UCLA? Iamaleava’s roots may have played a role. He’s from Long Beach, close to UCLA’s campus. The Bruins had recruited him in high school, so they knew each other well. UCLA needed a quarterback after Ethan Garbers ran out of eligibility.
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Coach DeShaun Foster, in his second year, saw Nico as a game-changer. The team’s offense had struggled, ranking 126th in scoring (18.4 points) and 118th in total offense (328.8 yards) among 133 FBS teams.
Iamaleava’s arrival boosts UCLA’s hopes. Their Big Ten title odds jumped from +50000 to +18000. Tennessee, meanwhile, felt the loss. Their SEC championship odds dropped from +700 to +1500. Their projected win total fell from 9.5 to 8.5. Losing Iamaleava will sting the team this season.
Iamaleava’s transfer wasn’t just about money or playing time. It was about finding a best fit for his skills. He trusted his instincts, believing UCLA was where he needed to be. For Tennessee, it’s a gamble to move on. For UCLA, it’s a chance to shine with a proven quarterback leading the way.
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