UCLA’s quarterback room continues to evolve as redshirt freshman Dermaricus Davis plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal, joining Joey Aguilar, who recently left following Nico Iamaleava’s arrival. Iamaleava, a former five-star recruit and Tennessee standout, led the Volunteers to their first College Football Playoff berth last season.
His transfer marks a major win for new head coach DeShaun Foster and immediately reshaped the Bruins’ quarterback competition. Returning to his Southern California roots, Iamaleava is expected to take over as UCLA’s starting quarterback in 2025, bringing star power and heightened expectations to Westwood.
Dermaricus Davis Joins Joey Aguilar in Leaving UCLA After Nico Iamaleava Arrival
Davis is preparing to enter the NCAA transfer portal, per a CBS Sports report, becoming the latest Bruins signal-caller to exit amid the arrival of Nico Iamaleava. Davis, who did not see game action during his first season, retains all four years of eligibility after redshirting.
A former four-star recruit from Upland (Calif.) Etiwanda High School, Davis ranked No. 221 nationally in the 2024 class according to the On3 Industry Ranking, which aggregates evaluations from the major recruiting services.
Davis’ departure follows another UCLA quarterback, Robert McDaniel, who also entered the portal recently as the Bruins’ quarterback room undergoes massive changes. UCLA secured commitments from both Nico Iamaleava and Madden Iamaleava during the spring transfer window.
Nico Iamaleava, a former Tennessee standout, transferred after a reported NIL dispute that led to his dismissal from practice and ultimately from the program. Madden Iamaleava, originally a 2025 Arkansas signee, also chose to join his brother in Westwood.
Additionally, Joey Aguilar, who committed to UCLA from Appalachian State in December, decided to leave after Nico Iamaleava’s signing. Aguilar, initially expected to contend for the starting role, reconsidered his position once it became clear Iamaleava would likely take over.
Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster addressed the situation during spring practice, saying,
“We talked to Joey, you know, just like every other quarterback that’s in that room, and discuss what’s going on or what’s not going on, and how he’s practicing and everything. So I like where Joey’s at right now, and hopefully he can keep progressing as spring goes. … Each day he’s getting better, you know, inserting his leadership on the team.”
KEEP READING: QB Joey Aguilar Transfer Journey Ends in Tennessee After Stops at JUCO, App State, and UCLA
Nico Iamaleava’s arrival has revitalized UCLA’s outlook after a 5-7 season, positioning him as the face of a rebuilt quarterback group that also includes his brother, Madden Iamaleava, and Henry Hasselbeck, son of former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. The changes have significantly reshaped UCLA’s future under Foster’s leadership, raising expectations for the 2025 campaign.
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