Nico Iamaleava, the former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback and one of the highest-profile transfers in college football, has officially committed to UCLA, marking a significant homecoming for the Long Beach, California, native. The commitment, announced on April 20, 2025, ends weeks of speculation following his departure from Tennessee.
The five-star recruit who ranked as the No. 1 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class will now bring his talents back to his home state, providing a major boost to UCLA’s football program as they continue adjusting to Big Ten competition after struggling to a 5-7 record in their first season in the conference in 2024.
Nico Iamaleava Ends Transfer Rumors, Commits to UCLA
Iamaleava made his commitment official through an Instagram statement, where he expressed gratitude toward Tennessee while announcing his new chapter:
View this post on Instagram
UCLA Football also officially welcomed Iamaleava on social media, celebrating the addition of the talented quarterback to their roster.
Nico is officially a Bruin! Welcome to Westwood, @nico_iamaleava8! #DoMore #DRE pic.twitter.com/75gv4nkCUK
— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) April 20, 2025
From Volunteer to Bruin: The Transfer Story
Iamaleava’s departure from Tennessee came amid a dispute over his NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) contract. He reportedly sought to renegotiate his deal with Tennessee’s NIL collective Spyre Sports Group, aiming to increase his compensation from approximately $2.2 million to around $4 million annually. Tennessee declined the request, leading to Iamaleava missing practice and ultimately parting ways with the program.
During his time with the Volunteers, Iamaleava had demonstrated significant potential. In his first full season as a starter in 2024, he threw for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns, and five interceptions across 13 games, leading Tennessee to a 10-3 record and a College Football Playoff appearance. He also contributed 358 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.
For UCLA, this acquisition represents a potential turning point as they look to improve their standing in the Big Ten. The Bruins face a challenging 2025 schedule, including games against Ohio State, Utah, Penn State, Indiana, and USC, making Iamaleava’s role crucial for their competitiveness.
The transfer also highlights the growing impact of NIL on player movement in college football. UCLA’s move to the Big Ten Conference has brought increased revenue, with the university expected to receive nearly $20 million from media rights in 2024, potentially helping them accommodate NIL deals for high-profile athletes like Iamaleava.
KEEP READING: Cam Newton Calls Out Nico Iamaleava’s Dad for Blowing NIL Deal Shortly After Shannon Sharpe Blamed His Advisers
As a Long Beach native, Iamaleava’s return to California truly represents a homecoming, bringing his journey full circle as he seeks to lead UCLA to new heights in Big Ten football’s competitive landscape.
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