Quarterback Nico Iamaleava is returning to UCLA football for a second season to play under new coach Bob Chesney, the team announced Dec. 22.
The former Tennessee quarterback had transferred to UCLA in April. The Bruins went 3-9 this past season, during which DeShaun Foster was fired after an 0-3 start.
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Iamaleava completed 64.4% of his passes for 1,928 yards and 13 touchdowns, with seven interceptions in 11 games. He also rushed for 505 yards and four touchdowns. He did not play at Ohio State in November due to a concussion.
Nico Iamaleava spent two seasons with Tennessee football before exit
Iamaleava played 18 games in two seasons at Tennessee, and started all 13 games during UT’s College Football Playoff run in 2024.
The QB threw for 2,616 yards with 19 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2024, but was less efficient in SEC play. He threw nine touchdowns in eight conference games, but four of those were against Vanderbilt in the regular-season finale.
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In his UT career, he completed 241 of 379 passes for 2,930 yards with 21 touchdowns and five interceptions. He redshirted in 2023 behind starter Joe Milton.
Why did Nico Iamaleava and Tennessee football split?
Tennessee coach Josh Heupel informed the Vols that Iamaleava was no longer a member of the team prior to the April 12 spring game, ending the relationship between UT and Iamaleava amid an apparent NIL dispute.
Iamaleava skipped the Vols’ final spring practice on April 11, the morning after On3’s Pete Nakos reported ongoing negotiations between Iamaleava and UT. His NIL deal reportedly paid him more than $2 million per year.
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ESPN’s Chris Low, citing sources, reported that Iamaleava’s representatives wanted his NIL pay increased to $4 million per year. The family used the possibility of him entering the transfer portal as leverage.
Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on X @ByMikeWilson. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Former Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava returning to UCLA for second season
