Tennessee Lands Top Transfer QB After Nico Iamaleava Departure: Report

When former five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava entered the NCAA transfer portal following a dispute over NIL deal, many wondered who the Tennessee Volunteers would get to take his spot under center. Well as it turns out, it happens to be the guy Iamaleava forced out of UCLA when he announced his commitment to the Bruins on Sunday. “My journey at UT has come to an end,” Iamaleava wrote on Instagram. “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!”

Joey Aguilar, a former three-star recruit in the class of 2023 who committed to UCLA back in December, was set to battle for the starting QB job with the Bruins after transferring from Appalachian State.

But following Iamaleava’s arrival, the 6-foot-3 senior hit the portal himself to find another school where he would have a legit chance to start. That program ended up being Tennessee, as Aguilar is set to sign with the Vols, according to ESPN’s Chris Low and On3’s Peter Nakos. Aguilar was the fourth-best available QB in the transfer portal, according to On3.

“The QB trade is complete,” Low wrote. “Joey Aguilar plans to sign with Tennessee after transferring to UCLA from App. State in the winter portal, sources tell ESPN. He trades places with Nico Iamaleava, who transferred from Tennessee to UCLA in the current portal. Back to business as usual.”

Added Nakos: “This moved quickly today, with Tennessee calling Joey Aguilar’s camp to finalize the deal. @ClowESPN first. Trade is expected to be completed.”

In two seasons with the Mountaineers, Aguilar threw for 6,760 yards, 56 touchdowns and 24 interceptions, and he rushed for 452 yards and another five scores. His addition give UT head coach Josh Heupel options along with Jake Merklinger and freshman George MacIntyre.

As a pure passer, some believe Aguilar is an upgrade over Iamaleava, who is more of a dual-threat QB. In his first season as the Vols’ QB1, Iamaleava threw for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions, and he rushed for 358 more yards and three touchdowns.