Nico Iamaleava reveals why he left Tennessee for UCLA during Big Ten Media Days

Nico Iamaleava stepped in front of the microphone at Big Ten Media Days and, for the first time, shared openly what led him to leave Tennessee and transfer to UCLA. The highly regarded quarterback, once seen as the face of Tennessee’s football future, made headlines when he abruptly entered the transfer portal earlier this year. But according to him, the story wasn’t about football, fame, or finances—it was about family.

In his own words, the decision to transfer was deeply personal and emotional. He made it clear that being closer to home in California was the single most important reason for the move. After two seasons in Knoxville, he admitted he began to feel the distance, not just geographically but culturally. Growing up in a tight-knit Samoan family in Long Beach, he was raised to believe that family comes first. Being far from the people who grounded him—the ones who had been there for every game, every hardship, every milestone—eventually took a toll. And so, after much reflection, he chose to make a change.

Iamaleava emphasized that the decision had nothing to do with money, despite public speculation. In the days and weeks after his transfer, rumors swirled that the move to UCLA was driven by a bigger NIL deal, with numbers as high as $4 million a year being thrown around. But he denied those reports, calling them exaggerated and damaging. He said that the noise surrounding NIL became overwhelming and contributed to his growing discomfort. While he acknowledged that NIL is a part of modern college football, he made it clear that it was not his motivation for transferring. In fact, the attention and rumors around his NIL deal were a big reason why he felt increasingly uneasy at Tennessee.

He spoke candidly about how the pressure of being a high-profile quarterback in the SEC, combined with the misunderstandings about his intent, made his situation at Tennessee more difficult. When he missed a spring practice in April, it sparked immediate speculation. Shortly after that, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel announced that the program was moving forward without him. The swiftness of the breakup surprised many, especially given Iamaleava’s performance and promise as the team’s starter. But for Iamaleava, it seemed like a necessary break, a point of no return that had arrived sooner than expected.

In his first public statement after the transfer, he thanked the Tennessee community and expressed gratitude for the opportunity. He said he learned and grew during his time there, and although he didn’t get to finish what he started, he hoped fans would understand that the decision came from the heart. At Big Ten Media Days, he reinforced that message. He didn’t criticize Tennessee or its coaching staff, and he didn’t try to shift blame. Instead, he focused on explaining how important it was to be somewhere that felt like home, both emotionally and physically.

For Iamaleava, UCLA offered that homecoming. Westwood is just a short drive from Long Beach, and the program offered a fresh start under new head coach DeShaun Foster. Foster, a former UCLA running back and NFL veteran, had only recently taken the job. But he knew that bringing in a quarterback like Iamaleava could change everything—not just on the field, but in terms of how the program was perceived. A local kid coming home to lead UCLA during its first Big Ten season gave fans a new reason to believe.

Iamaleava brings with him not just talent, but experience. As the starter for Tennessee in 2024, he completed nearly 64 percent of his passes for over 2,600 yards and threw 19 touchdowns. He helped guide the Volunteers to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance, a major milestone for the program. Although he faced ups and downs, and not every game was a standout performance, he showed flashes of brilliance that made his five-star ranking out of high school seem well earned.

Now at UCLA, Iamaleava says he’s focused on building a winning culture. He wants to help bring championship football back to Westwood—something the Bruins haven’t had since the early days of the sport. With the school entering the Big Ten, competition will be fierce. But Iamaleava isn’t backing down from that challenge. He says he sees this as an opportunity not just to prove himself, but to help elevate the entire program.

He also talked about maturity. He acknowledged that he’s grown a lot since entering college and that this past year has taught him even more about who he is and what matters to him. Being in the spotlight, especially with so much attention on NIL and transfers, isn’t easy. But he says he’s learned to block out the noise and focus on what he can control. He credits his family for keeping him grounded and helping him make the move with clarity and confidence.

Coach Foster echoed those sentiments, describing Iamaleava as not just a talented athlete but a good young man who knows what he wants. He said the decision to bring Iamaleava on board wasn’t just about winning games—it was about building a team with the right culture and mindset. Foster said he respects how Iamaleava handled his transfer and sees leadership potential in him that goes beyond the football field.

Some fans and media personalities have been critical of the way Iamaleava left Tennessee. One high-profile commentator even called him “extraordinarily ungrateful,” pointing to the NIL support and early opportunities he received from the program. But Iamaleava didn’t fire back. He acknowledged that not everyone would understand his decision, and that’s okay. What mattered to him was being honest with himself and staying true to his values.

He also touched on the idea of player empowerment. College athletes today have more choices than ever before, and that freedom comes with both opportunity and scrutiny. Iamaleava said he’s aware of how his decisions might be interpreted, but he believes players should be able to make the choices that are best for their lives—not just their careers. If that means stepping away from a great football situation to be closer to home, so be it. In his case, he felt it was a necessary step for his mental and emotional well-being.

Looking ahead, he’s focused on getting to work with his new teammates. He says he’s already building chemistry with receivers, studying the playbook, and doing everything he can to be ready for the season. The transition from SEC to Big Ten won’t be easy, but he believes the experience he gained in the South has prepared him for anything. He also feels more at peace than he has in a long time, and that, he says, will allow him to play with more confidence and joy.

There’s no doubt that Iamaleava’s journey has been unconventional. He was once the crown jewel of Tennessee’s recruiting class, a symbol of what the program could become. Now, he’s trying to redefine himself on the opposite coast. But if his words at Big Ten Media Days are any indication, he’s doing it for the right reasons. He didn’t make the move on a whim, and he’s not running from pressure. He’s returning to something that’s always mattered to him: being with family, being himself, and finding happiness in football again.

As the season approaches, all eyes will be on UCLA and their new quarterback. Whether or not they win big this year, Iamaleava’s presence has already shifted the energy around the program. And for him, that fresh start—and the ability to share his story in his own voice—might be the most important victory of all.