Quarterback Controversy Erupts as Nico Iamaleava Eyes UCLA Move

Los Angeles, CA — The UCLA Bruins are navigating a pivotal moment as quarterback rumors swirl around Nico Iamaleava, who reportedly plans to transfer from Tennessee amid NIL contract disputes. The timing of these developments coincides with the opening of the spring transfer window on April 16, leaving current Bruins quarterback Joey Aguilar in a precarious position.

In recent days, discussions have escalated regarding Iamaleava’s potential move to Los Angeles after a significant falling out with Volunteers’ coaching staff. Aguilar, who had hoped to be the starting quarterback for the Bruins, now faces heightened competition for the position if Iamaleava’s recruitment becomes a reality.

UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster has addressed the situation, emphasizing the need for Aguilar to focus on his own performance amid the chaos. “We talked to Joey, just like every other quarterback in that room, discussing what’s going on and how he’s practicing,” Foster said. “I like where Joey’s at, and hopefully, he can keep progressing as spring goes on.” Foster praised Aguilar’s commitment, noting his leadership and improvement during recent practices.

Joey Aguilar, a standout player at Appalachian State, set single-season records in passing yards (3,757), passing touchdowns (33), and total offense (4,002) during the 2023 season. He was named the Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year and earned honorable mention all-conference honors in 2024. Despite having such an impressive resume, Aguilar now finds himself competing with a highly regarded recruit.

The rumors surrounding Iamaleava’s departure from Tennessee intensified after he skipped practice before the Volunteers’ Orange & White spring game. Coach Josh Heupel stated the program would look to acquire another quarterback following Iamaleava’s exit, highlighting the urgency of Tennessee’s situation with only two scholarship quarterbacks remaining.

As for Iamaleava, he was regarded as one of the top talents in the 2023 recruiting class and reportedly had an $8 million NIL deal while at Tennessee. His absence from practice not only raised concerns about his current standing with the program but also fueled speculation around his future.

The push for Iamaleava’s services by UCLA’s coaching staff appears to be gaining traction, even as challenges regarding compensation loom large. Many observers speculate if UCLA has the financial means to secure Iamaleava, whose reported salary expectations have surged amid ongoing negotiations.

Coach Foster, focusing on his current roster, wants his players to control their performance regardless of external distractions. He said, “Control what you can control. When you’re playing in big-time stadiums, you’ve got to control what you can control. If you can’t perform because there’s a lot of noise, that’s probably not a good thing.” Aguilar’s ability to adapt during this tumultuous time will be crucial for UCLA moving forward.

As the transfer saga continues to unfold, the college football landscape remains tense. Iamaleava’s decision and its repercussions for both Tennessee and UCLA will likely be a focal point in upcoming discussions regarding player movements and NIL dynamics across programs.

CBS Sports will continue to provide updates on Iamaleava’s situation and UCLA’s quarterback development as the spring season progresses.