UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava was one of the most discussed players in college football this offseason. Formerly a member of the Tennessee Volunteers, Iamaleava shocked the college football world when he entered the transfer portal in the spring window and joined the UCLA Bruins. His decision to transfer came after an NIL contract dispute with the Volunteers.
Last season, Iamaleava got the first opportunity to be a starting quarterback in college, completing 213 of 334 passing attempts for 2,616 yards and 19 TDs. He was expected to be the Volunteers’ QB for this season and possibly beyond. However, he is now preparing for his first season with the UCLA Bruins.
On Wednesday, he posted a video to his Instagram story from training camp with a funny caption. In the video, Iamaleava is getting off the bus ahead of training camp.
“Was out there sleep walking,” Nico Iamaleava wrote.
By joining the UCLA Bruins, Nico Iamaleava is getting closer to home. He is originally from Long Beach, California, so playing in Tennessee meant he was a long way from his family.
Nico Iamaleava Speaks About His Decision To Join UCLA Bruins
While there has been plenty of speculation about why Nico Iamaleava’s relationship with the Tennessee Volunteers fell apart, there has not been as much discussion about why he chose UCLA.
On July 24, Iamaleava spoke with the media in his first public comments since his departure from the Vols. He called it one of the hardest decisions he had ever needed to make before talking about his decision to join the Bruins.
“My driving factor to come back home was my family, and I hope every Tennessee fan understands that,” Iamaleava said. “It was just a lot of drama, but man, I’m excited to be at UCLA.”
Additionally, although Iamaleava did not get into specifics, he spoke about how there was a lot of misinformation about why he left the Vols.
“I think just the outside world, in general, thinks that it was something that it wasn’t,” Iamaleava said. “Going back home was always in the back of my head. Just being back closer to my family, it took a toll on getting my family to Tennessee. It was just a lot of traveling.”
Iamaleava also spoke about QB Joey Aguilar, who transferred from UCLA to Tennessee following his decision to join the Bruins. The 20-year-old wished him the best on his new team.
Nico Iamaleava was asked about Joey Aguilar at Big10 Media Days.
“I wish him nothing but the best. I know he’s going to get the best fans out there. Hopefully he gets to experience all the positive things that I experienced.” pic.twitter.com/7sS7lquipL
— Tri-Star Network (@TriStar_Network) July 25, 2025
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