LAS VEGAS — In his first public feedback since his tumultuous switch from Tennessee to UCLA in April, Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava stated Thursday the choice to go away the Volunteers was “one of many hardest choices I ever needed to make.”
“My driving issue to return again dwelling was my household, and I hope each Tennessee fan understands that,” Iamaleava stated at Huge Ten media days. “It was simply numerous drama, however man, I am excited to be at UCLA.”
Iamaleava made a number of references to “false studies” about him whereas at Tennessee that centered on him and his illustration wanting larger NIL compensation. The Lengthy Seashore, California, native remained steadfast that the principle motivation for his transfer was not cash however proximity to household. He stated the studies made him really feel “not comfy within the place I used to be in.”
“I believe simply the surface world, normally, thinks that it was one thing that it wasn’t,” Iamaleava advised ESPN. “Going again dwelling was all the time at the back of my head. Simply being again nearer to my household; [it] took a toll on getting my household to Tennessee. It was simply numerous touring.”
ESPN reported in April that Iamaleava’s illustration had been pushing for his NIL contract — which had beforehand paid him $2.4 million per yr and was set to pay him greater than $8 million over his time at Tennessee — to extend to $4 million for 2025. Sources advised ESPN that Iamaleava’s camp additionally reached out to Miami, Ole Miss and Oregon, amongst others, about transferring after final season ended.
“I do not communicate on cash issues,” Iamaleava stated Thursday. “I am simply right here for ball and college.”
Amid these NIL contract negotiations, Iamaleava didn’t present as much as a Tennessee spring apply. Shortly after, coach Josh Heupel stated this system was “shifting on” from Iamaleava.
“I wish to thank him for every little thing he is finished since he is gotten right here, as a recruit and who he was as a participant and the way he competed contained in the constructing,” Heupel stated on the time. “There is no one which’s greater than the Energy T. That features me.”
On Thursday, Iamaleava referred to as the occasions of that week “loopy” and stated the expertise was “rather a lot” for him. After the break up, Iamaleava shortly made his resolution to switch to UCLA. Quarterback Joey Aguilar, who had transferred to Westwood from Appalachian State in hopes of changing into this system’s starter, ended up transferring to Tennessee because of this.
“My mindset was going into compete with whoever was in there for the beginning spot,” Iamaleava stated of Aguilar. “I want him nothing however the very best. I do know he will get the very best followers on the market. Hopefully he will get to expertise all of the constructive issues that I skilled.”
Iamaleava redshirted in 2023 and threw for two,616 yards and 19 touchdowns in his first season as a starter in 2024, main Tennessee to 10 wins and a Faculty Soccer Playoff look that resulted in a first-round loss to eventual nationwide champion Ohio State. Iamaleava is about to be the Bruins’ starter this season.
“The expectation is for me to be higher,” Iamaleava stated. “I obtained to get higher.”
UCLA is coming off a 5-7 file in coach DeShaun Foster’s debut season. Foster stated Thursday there was no hesitation about including Iamaleava to the roster when the chance offered itself.
“We’re simply excited to have a playoff quarterback,” Foster stated. “Simply with the ability to come again dwelling and be comfy and being in a well-recognized surroundings, I believe the sky is the restrict.”