College Football

​Nico Iamaleava Transfers to UCLA Amid NIL Dispute with Tennessee

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By
Colin Lynch
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Colin Lynch Sports Editor

Colin Lynch covers the NFL, MLB and WNBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the New England Patriots. His sports coverage has been featured on The Sports Daily and Basketball Insiders, as well as FanSided's Chowder & Champions. A New Hampshire native and former D1 baseball player at St. John's University, Colin was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2008 and enjoyed a four-year professional baseball career.

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Published16 Apr 2025

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​Nico Iamaleava Transfers to UCLA Amid NIL Dispute with Tennessee

Former Five-Star Quarterback Nico Iamaleava Is Exiting the SEC and Tennessee as He Returns Home to Lead Bruins​

In a swift turn of events, former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava has committed to UCLA, marking a significant shift in his collegiate football journey. The decision follows his recent entry into the transfer portal, accompanied by a ‘do not contact’ designation, signaling a predetermined destination. This move brings the Long Beach, California native back to his roots, offering a fresh start with the Bruins.

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Departure from Tennessee

Iamaleava’s exit from Tennessee was precipitated by a reported disagreement over his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation. Despite a lucrative $8 million deal with Tennessee’s NIL collective, Spyre Sports Group, tensions arose when Iamaleava’s camp allegedly sought to renegotiate terms. The situation culminated in his absence from a spring practice session, leading to head coach Josh Heupel’s announcement that the program would proceed without him. Heupel emphasized the program’s ethos, stating, “There’s no one that’s bigger than the Power T. That includes me.” ​

Choosing UCLA allows Iamaleava to return to familiar territory. A former standout at Warren High School in Downey and Long Beach Polytechnic High School, his decision to join the Bruins aligns with his Southern California roots. UCLA, under new head coach Deshaun Foster, is seeking to revitalize its program after a challenging 5–7 season. Iamaleava’s addition is anticipated to inject new energy and leadership into the team.

Impact on UCLA’s Quarterback Landscape

Iamaleava’s arrival at UCLA introduces a new dynamic to the quarterback competition. He joins a roster that includes senior Ethan Garbers and Appalachian State transfer Joey Aguilar. Garbers threw for 2,727 yards with 16 touchdowns last season, while Aguilar amassed 6,740 yards and 56 touchdowns over two seasons. Iamaleava’s experience and skill set position him as a strong contender for the starting role. ​

As Iamaleava embarks on this new chapter with UCLA, the focus shifts to his integration into the Bruins’ system and his potential impact on the field. His return to Southern California not only offers a personal homecoming but also presents an opportunity to redefine his collegiate career. With the support of Coach Foster and the UCLA community, Iamaleava aims to lead the Bruins to a successful season in the competitive Big Ten Conference.​