Nico Iamaleava set the college football world ablaze over the weekend when he announced that he would be leaving Tennessee over a NIL dispute and entering the transfer portal. The UCLA Bruins were a program that popped up as a potential landing spot.
I spoke on the USC LAFB Show on Saturday that contrary to a lot of national rumors, the USC Trojans would not be in pursuit of Iamaleava, but that the Bruins would be in the running and have a go at it.
National College Football Writer for 247 Sports, Chris Hummer, was on the Ultimate College Football Show earlier today and spoke about the possibility of UCLA landing Nico Iamaleava.
Do The UCLA Bruins Have A Shot With Nico Iamaleava
After losing potential starting quarterback Justyn Martin to the transfer portal after the season, Deshaun Foster and the UCLA Bruins added Appalaichain State QB Joey Aguilar. While Aguilar has talent and experience, an upgrade at the position would be beneficial for the Bruins.
Hummer spoke about Iamaleava’s prospects and where he could end up.
“The only school I would highlight as a possibility right now is UCLA,” Hummer said. “The Bruins make a lot of sense, close to home for him.”
While the Bruins are certainly in the market, and Nico would be a huge get, the big question is whether UCLA can afford him.
“The only school I would highlight as a possibility right now is UCLA” @chris_hummer says the Bruins could be a landing spot for former Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava 🗣️
— 247Sports (@247Sports) April 14, 2025
Iamaleava ranks as the No. 1 prospect in the transfer portal rankings pic.twitter.com/6Tg40IXDbc
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“Nico was making around $2.5 [million] at Tennessee, I don’t think UCLA is going to get there, based on historic spending for UCLA,” continued Hummer.
Reports have been that Iamaleava and his camp are seeking upwards of $4 million, which would be a massive number for the UCLA Bruins to match.
They were also just spurned by his younger brother, Madden Iamaleava, on signing day when he flipped to Arkansas. So there is that interesting dynamic with the family.
Regardless, based on Hummer’s report, and based on what I have personally heard, the Bruins are at the very least pursuing Iamaleava to see if they can get something done.
Thoughts, Bruin Nation?