The Tennessee Volunteers have now learned officially from Nico Iamaleava that the 20-year-old quarterback has transferred to the UCLA Bruins on the opposite coast of the country. According to reports, the Volunteers might have a trick up their sleeves, with the perfect comeback to settle their dispute with their former signal caller.
These are the NCAA groundrules every program must adapt to now. NIL and endorsement deals have taken over, with the transfer portal ever looming, watching closely to provide an emergency slide for any player who is looking for new horizons. Fundamentalists are still struggling to accept this new reality, with personalities like Cam Newton voicing a bold statement against Iamaleava—but that’s just the way it is, and all signs point to it staying that way moving forward.
In that context, Iamaleava and the Volunteers starred in the biggest storyline of college football’s spring period, a time when most teams are simply focused on locking in the right players for each role. Tennessee had no doubts that Iamaleava was their best option at starting quarterback, but the 20-year-old star was far from satisfied with his earnings.
A debate like that would’ve been neither here nor there just a few years ago — but in today’s college sports landscape, it ultimately triggered an urgent, if not last-minute, search for a new quarterback in Knoxville.
Nico Iamaleava #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers walks off the field after defeating the Florida Gators during their game at Neyland Stadium on October 12, 2024 in Knoxville, Tennessee.
An eye for an eye
However, the Vols might have found the best replacement for Iamaleava, who is now in Los Angeles. In an unexpected, yet almost perfect turn of events, Tennessee and UCLA might end up pulling off somewhat of a trade in college football.
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NCAAF News: Nico Iamaleava sends heartfelt message to Volunteers after committing to UCLA
According to reports from ESPN‘s Chris Low, Tennessee has interest in UCLA QB Joey Aguilar. Aguilar will enter the portal on Monday, and Low added the two parties will have talks soon. The two schools completing what would on paper be a trade, would be a very accurate representation of today’s NCAA, where the line with professional sports grows more blurred by the minute.
Aguilar’s numbers
Aguilar’s arrival in Knoxville makes sense, as Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel hopes for a proven starter to command his team into another playoff appearance. Following last season’s first round loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Vols will now be looking to take another step towards, hopefully, a National Championship.
Joey Aguilar #4 of the Appalachian State Mountaineers celebrates after winning The Avocados From Mexico Cure Bowl against the Miami (Oh) Redhawks at FBC Mortgage Stadium on December 16, 2023 in Orlando, Florida.
Aguilar had just transferred to UCLA ahead of the 2025 season, but as the Bruins announced Iamaleava’s arrival, the senior-year quarterback has entered the transfer portal, where Tennessee has reportedly emerged as a strong candidate.
SurveyWho will have the better season in 2025: Iamaleava with UCLA, or Aguilar? (Regardless of where he trasnfers to)
Who will have the better season in 2025: Iamaleava with UCLA, or Aguilar? (Regardless of where he trasnfers to)
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After two seasons as the starting quarterback for the Appalachian State Mountaineers, Aguilar appeared in 25 games, completing 511 passes for 6,760 yards, 56 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions, with an average passer rating of 143.0. He also contributed on the ground, rushing for 452 yards and five touchdowns over that span.
