In the blink of an eye, Nico Iamaleava went from being the name of the present and future for the Tennessee Volunteers to becoming a sore subject in Knoxville, as the 20-year-old quarterback transferred to the UCLA Bruins. While many argue the reason for his departure was entirely money-wise, UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster voiced a bold admission, stating otherwise.
Iamaleava had become a star in Knoxville, guiding the Volunteers to a College Football Playoff appearance, in which they were knocked out by the Ohio State Buckeyes in the First Round. However, the program’s floor had been established, and it felt like the Vols could only go upwards.
But, drama ensued. Contract negotiations reached a stalemate as Iamaleava was reportedly seeking a pay increase on his NIL deal, which was valued at approximately $2.3 millions. Eventually, Iamaleava pulled the plug, entering the transfer portal, and setting off for new horizons, especifically in the University of California, Los Angeles.
As Iamaleava joins the Bruins ahead of the 2025 NCAA season, much buzz will follow the transfer junior-year quarterback. However, his new coach, Foster, dropped a powerful admission on the true motives behind Iamaleava’s transfer, dismissing the economic side of the deal.
Head coach DeShaun Foster of the UCLA Bruins watches from the sidelines during the first half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Rose Bowl on September 14, 2024 in Pasadena, California.
“[Nico Iamaleava] wanted to come home and be closer to his family,” DeShaun Foster admitted, per On3. “So, I think the family played a big role in being able to come back to California. I think that played a big role, too.”
see also
NCAAF News: UCLA HC DeShaun Foster drops eye-raising admission on financial side of Nico Iamaleava’s transfer
Homestate kid
Iamaleava, a born and raised South Californian, attended both Warren High School in Downey, California and Long Beach Polytechnic High School before enrolling at Tennessee in the 2023 recruiting class.
He had blossomed into one of the top starting quarterbacks in college football, thriving in the highly competitive SEC. However, it seems homesickness got the best of him, ultimately leading to his decision to return to the Golden State.
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Iamaleava could play his final college season before declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft — or perhaps he’ll stay for his senior year, maximizing his time in California while he still has a say in where he plays football.
