Nico Iamaleava entered Week 9 looking to lead the UCLA Bruins to a statement win against the Indiana Hoosiers. The matchup carried plenty of weight for the young quarterback, who has been trying to build consistency in his first season with the Bruins after transferring from Tennessee.
Facing one of the nation’s best defenses, this game was seen as a chance for Nico to prove he could handle the big stage. Instead, it’s been a nightmare outing so far for UCLA. The Bruins have been completely dominated in the first half, trailing 35-3 as Indiana’s offense and defense both controlled the pace.
As the score widened, fans turned their attention to social media. Nico Iamaleava quickly became the target of online jokes and memes, with many fans poking fun at both his performance and the Bruins’ inability to keep up with Indiana.
“Indiana’s defense to Nico Iamaleava:” College Sports Only posted.
“NICO IAMALEAVA,” a fan wrote.
“NICO IAMALEAVA” pic.twitter.com/QfmtWR4e7h
— Nelson Jackson (@N15Jackson) October 25, 2025
“Nico Iamaleava when he actually plays a competent defense:” a fan posted.
“Here is how I’m starting off the CFB slate: @SportsGrid Nico Iamaleava Over 155.5 Passing Yards (-113) Oklahoma Team Total Over 27.5 (-128),” a fan posted.
“Iamaleava when asked to get the ball out on time,” a fan posted.
“Jerry Neuheisel and Nico Iamaleava when it’s time to play a real defense,” a fan posted.
Jerry Neuheisel and Nico Iamaleava when it’s time to play a real defense pic.twitter.com/OuJfnkRqFH
— Fred is Beating UCLA (@Red_Dead_Fred) October 25, 2025
“The magic is gone for UCLA and Nico Iamaleava. Oooooof,” a fan posted.
“Nico Iamaleava is garbage! Mfer probably won’t cover 155 passing yards,” a fan posted.
“So Nico Iamaleava really transferred to UCLA just to get beat up for some extra cash. Smhh,” a fan posted.
“Leave nico iamaleava and tim skipper in the lockerroom at half. Did deshaun foster coach this ucla team all week?” A fan posted.
The spotlight was supposed to be on Nico’s growth and leadership in a big test, but so far, the night has belonged to Indiana.
Nico Iamaleava’s Shocking Move from Tennessee to UCLA
Iamaleava’s transfer from Tennessee to UCLA became one of the biggest college football stories of 2025. The former five-star recruit was coming off a strong season with the Volunteers. His decision to leave shocked fans and analysts, especially after he had been seen as the future of Tennessee’s program.
The Bruins offered a chance for Iamaleava to return home to California and lead a new-look offense in a program eager for a spark. His arrival marked a major win for UCLA, signaling its willingness to compete with top-tier schools for elite talent.
Meanwhile, Tennessee pivoted by adding another quarterback through the portal, moving on from what had become a tense standoff. The transfer was about more than just money, it was a turning point in how NIL and player leverage work at the highest level.
For Iamaleava, it meant a fresh start and an opportunity to redefine his path in a familiar setting. For Tennessee, it served as a reminder of how quickly college football’s landscape can change when NIL deals become part of roster management.
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