Nico Iamaleava didn’t have the best of summer as it saw him leaving the Tennessee Volunteers during the last transfer portal after NIL renegotiation fell through between him and the program. From there, he entered the portal and signed with the UCLA Bruins.
While his exit from Tennessee might have left bitter taste in the mouth of some, his bond with wide receiver Bru McCoy remains.
On Monday, Iamaleava wished former Tennessee Volunteers teammate McCoy on his birthday. The Instagram story shows the two players alongside another Volunteer in their Tennessee uniforms in a smoke-filled locker room scene.
The image features Iamaleava (wearing No. 8), McCoy (No. 15) and another teammate (No. 1), all suited up in Tennessee orange and white.
“happy birthday to my brother @brumccoy 🤎🖕🏽 one of the realest i know 💯” Iamaleava wrote.
Nico Iamaleava’s Parting Message to Knoxville After the Tennessee Exit
After a stellar season that saw Nico Iamaleava completing 63.8% of his passes for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns, and guiding Tennessee to a 10‑3 finish and CFP berth, the quarterback has his future laid out. However, before the last transfer portal started in summer, the quarterback who was previously signed to a $2.4 million NIL deal reportedly asked to raise that value to $4 million.
Unable to meet his demands, the negotiation talks faltered, resulting in Iamaleava declaring for the transfer portal and sitting out meetings on Apr. 11. He eventually signed with the Bruins.
Reflecting on his time in Tennessee, Iamaleava wrote on Instagram:
“First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ… To the amazing people in Knoxville, thank you for embracing and uplifting me…I believe with all my heart that I gave my all as a Volunteer. I’m truly grateful for the time I had at UT… My journey at UT has come to an end… But I trust God’s timing, and I believe He’s leading me where I need to be… I am committed to UCLA!”
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On April 20, 2025, Iamaleava officially committed to UCLA, following his brother Madden’s earlier move.
“This decision was incredibly difficult… But I trust God’s timing, and I believe He’s leading me where I need to be… Even though this chapter is ending, a new chapter has begun…” he added.
While the details of his NIL deal with the Bruins is not known, he is expected to lead their offense in 2025.
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