Nico Iamaleava, the former starting quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers, has officially committed to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) following a high-profile departure from Tennessee amid a dispute over his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation
Nico Iamaleava, a highly touted recruit from Long Beach, California, joined Tennessee as part of the 2023 class. In his sophomore season (2024), he started all 13 games, leading the Volunteers to a 10–3 record and a berth in the expanded College Football Playoff. He threw for 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities with 109 carries for 358 yards and three rushing touchdowns
Off the field, Iamaleava was among the top earners in college football’s NIL era. He signed significant endorsement deals, including one with Beats by Dre, and had a projected NIL valuation of around $1.9 million
In April 2025, Iamaleava’s relationship with Tennessee soured over NIL negotiations. He had an $8 million deal with Tennessee’s collective, Spyre Sports, but sought a raise to $4 million annually, citing rising market values for top quarterbacks . When Tennessee declined to meet his demands, tensions escalated. Iamaleava missed practice and team meetings, leading to his dismissal from the team by head coach Josh Heupel
After entering the transfer portal, Iamaleava committed to UCLA on April 20, 2025. His decision was influenced by his California roots and the opportunity to play for a program under first-year head coach DeShaun Foster . While details of his new NIL deal have not been disclosed, reports suggest he secured a $1.5 million agreement with UCLA .
Iamaleava’s move to UCLA represents a significant financial adjustment. His $1.5 million NIL deal with UCLA is substantially less than the $4 million he sought at Tennessee. Additionally, California’s high tax rates mean his take-home earnings are projected to be around $800,000, far below his expectations
Iamaleava’s transfer to UCLA marks a new chapter in his college football career. He is expected to be the starting quarterback for the 2025 season, bringing his talents to a Bruins team eager to make an impact under new leadership. His journey highlights the evolving dynamics of college athletics, where NIL deals and personal branding play increasingly significant roles in athletes’ decisions.
