Nico Iamaleava transfer: Former Tennessee QB formally commits to transfer to UCLA

On Sunday, former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava announced he is transferring to UCLA. The transfer QB released a statement reflecting on the process on Instagram.

“First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for His grace, for continuing to bless my family, and for allowing me to live out my passion each and every day,” Iamaleava wrote. “To the amazing people in Knoxville, thank you for embracing and uplifting me throughout my time there.

“I’ll be forever thankful for the support you showed me every step of the way and I’ll always cherish the relationships I built there and the memories I created with my brothers. I believe with all my heart that I gave my all as a Volunteer. I’m truly grateful for the time I had at UT.

“My journey at UT has come to an end. This decision was incredibly difficult, and truthfully, not something I expected to make this soon. But I trust God’s timing, and I believe He’s leading me where I need to be. Even though, this chapter is ending, a new chapter has begun and I am committed to UCLA!”

Tennessee and Iamaleava mutually parted ways on April 12, after they failed to agree on a restructured NIL deal for Iamaleava. The redshirt sophomore QB reportedly was seeking a $4 million a year NIL deal, a significant upgrade from his alleged pre-existing $2.2 million deal.

Nico Iamaleava’s commitment is a massive addition for UCLA. As a redshirt freshman last season, Iamaleava was Tennessee’s full-time starter. He finished the year with 2,616 passing yards and 19 touchdowns while throwing five interceptions. He also recorded 358 yards and three scores in the ground game

UCLA reportedly informed its quarterback room of Iamaleava’s commitment earlier today. The value of Iamaleava’s NIL deal with UCLA hasn’t been reported yet. The former five-star prospect boasts an On3 NIL Valuation of $2.1 million, which ranks No. 23 in the On3 NIL 100.

Iamaleava will immediately be the favorite to be the Bruins’ starting quarterback next season. Appalachian State transfer QB

Joey Aguilar was receiving first-team reps this spring. With rumors of Iamaleava joining the program for several days, UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster discussed Aguilar’s future with the team on Saturday.

“We talked to Joey, just like every other quarterback that’s in that room, and discussed what’s going on or what’s not going on, and how he’s practicing and everything,” Foster said. “So I like where Joey’s at right now, and hopefully he can keep progressing as spring goes. … Each day he’s getting better, you know, inserting his leadership on the team.”