In college football’s gift that keeps on giving, Nico Iamaleava’s transfer to UCLA keeps adding more layers to the story. According to reports, the Bruins are now looking to bring in a very special teammate for the former Tennessee Volunteers‘ signal-caller ahead of the 2025 NCAA season.
Iamaleava’s sudden departure from the school in Knoxville made waves all over the nation, as it wrote a new chapter in today’s NIL-driven college football landscape.
Following a remarkable 2024 campaign—one that saw Iamaleava lead the Vols to a postseason berth before falling to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first round—the 20-year-old, hailed as the next great name in UT’s record books, reportedly demanded a $4 million contract. When negotiations stalled, he entered the NCAA transfer portal.
UCLA wasted no time earning Iamaleava’s commitment, in doing so the Bruins have secured a high-end quarterback to lead them in the upcoming season. Not satisfied, the school in Los Angeles is reportedly now targeting someone Nico Iamaleava knows like the palm of his hand.
Nico Iamaleava #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers warms up prior to the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Neyland Stadium on November 02, 2024 in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Are two too many?
According to reports from ESPN’s Chris Low, Madden Iamaleava, Nico’s youngest sibling, is transferring from Arkansas to UCLA, joining his brother in the Bruins’ QB room.
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NCAAF Rumors: Tennessee plans fitting, cold-blooded response after losing Nico Iamaleava to UCLA
UCLA will now have two Iamaleavas on their roster, as they gear up for a challenging year in the Big Ten. Unfortunately for the buzz and drama, the Bruins won’t face the Vols or Razorbacks in the upcoming season, barring a postseason meeting.
SurveyCan Madden Iamaleava take the starting job from his brother Nico in UCLA?
Can Madden Iamaleava take the starting job from his brother Nico in UCLA?
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Meant to be
Madden had been committed to UCLA for months before flipping to Arkansas in December 2024. But following his brother’s dramatic exit from Tennessee, it now appears Madden Iamaleava will be heading to the University of California, Los Angeles after all.
