Madden Iamaleava Enters Transfer Portal, Expected to Join Brother at UCLA

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Madden Iamaleava, a freshman quarterback from Arkansas and brother of former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava, has entered the NCAA transfer portal, sources confirmed to ESPN.

The decision, made public on Monday, comes just a day after Nico Iamaleava’s commitment to UCLA following his transfer from Tennessee. Madden Iamaleava was ranked as the No. 145 overall recruit in the 2025 class and initially committed to UCLA before signing with Arkansas during the early signing period in December.

Coach Sam Pittman praised Madden’s commitment when he signed with the Razorbacks, considering him a significant addition to the program. However, after nearly eight months with Arkansas, the 6-foot-3 quarterback has decided to seek new opportunities.

Madden Iamaleava’s previous commitment to UCLA came without a campus visit, as reported by his father, Nic Iamaleava. The family, deeply involved in the recruiting process, expressed that their change in direction was unexpected but guided by their trust in what they believed was best for Madden.

After Alec Aguilar, another quarterback, transferred from UCLA to Tennessee, Madden’s impending move to join his brother in Westwood seems to be a developing storyline in college football. His transfer follows a season where he did not play due to ineligibility after moving schools, although he had a strong previous season leading Warren High School to an 11-3 record.

Madden’s announcement on Instagram emphasized the difficulty of his decision but also reflected a belief in divine timing leading him east to UCLA. His move illustrates the increasing trend of players entering the transfer portal during this period as they search for better opportunities.

Recruiting insiders expect that Madden Iamaleava will officially join the UCLA program this summer, adding depth as he reunites with his older brother Nico, who completed his own impactful transfer earlier in the week.