Former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava was one of the most discussed players in college football this offseason. After getting his first starting opportunity with the Vols this past season, Iamaleava was expected to help them compete for the SEC championship this season. However, after an NIL contract dispute, Iamaleava controversially decided to enter the transfer portal during the spring window and go to the UCLA Bruins.
On Thursday, Iamaleava sat down for an interview with NBC Sports. In the interview, he was asked about the pressure he is feeling heading into his first season with the UCLA Bruins, where he talked about being “united and unified together” to deal with it.
“Yeah for me, I wouldn’t say pressure on my shoulders,” Iamaleava said (2:10). “I think football is the ultimate team sport, so I believe in the 10 other guys that are gonna be on the field with me. When we kick off Week 1, we’re all gonna be united and unified together. So, I think as a team, we know we got a chip on our shoulder and a lot of expectations.”
Nico Iamaleava then spoke about how he handles expectations directed towards him specifically.
“I really think you just don’t look at it man. You focus on the people you love and the people that are in your corner and I have a great team. I have great support. Coach Foster was really preaching that to us, you know we’re focused on us and the goals that we have for ourselves. It’s not about proving everybody else wrong. It’s about proving ourselves right. So, that’s the main thing,” he said.
Nico Iamaleava Has His Eyes Set on the NFL
Nico Iamaleava has only been a full-time starter for one season. However, in that season last year, he performed well, completing 213 of 334 passing attempts for 2616 yards and 19 TDs. He now has his eyes set on the NFL after this season.
During the Big Ten media days, Iamaleava stepped up to the podium and spoke about his goals for the season. One of the things that was clear was that Iamaleava wants to go to the NFL after this season. He emphasized that he is going to give his all to the UCLA Bruins, but has the goal of entering the 2026 NFL draft.
It is not out of the question that Iamaleava could work himself into the first round of next year’s draft. According to Pro Football Focus, he is the No. 8-ranked QB in his class and No. 90-ranked player overall.
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