Former Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava Joins UCLA Amid Team Overhaul

Nico Iamaleava, former Tennessee quarterback, is set to begin his first season with UCLA after transferring from Tennessee, where he helped lead the Volunteers to the College Football Playoffs. Iamaleava attended a UCLA game last season during Tennessee's bye week, giving him an early look at his new team, which struggled in that game against Oregon. UCLA's head coach DeShaun Foster has revamped the coaching staff and roster, bringing in 55 new players including Iamaleava and hiring new offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri, who praised Iamaleava's work ethic and leadership. Despite mixed performances at Tennessee, Iamaleava is considered a strong recruiter and has helped UCLA attract top prospects, although recruiting battles have had setbacks, such as losing Oscar Rios to Arizona. UCLA will open its 2025 season soon and is looking to improve its performance after a 5-7 record last year, with hopes that Iamaleava’s presence and the coaching changes will elevate the program. His younger brother Madden, also a quarterback, has had a complicated recruiting journey but ultimately returned to UCLA after transferring from Arkansas.