DeShaun Foster Details Conversation With QB Joey Aguilar After UCLA Adds Nico Iamaleava

When UCLA landed one of the biggest names in the spring transfer portal — former Tennessee quarterback and former five-star recruit Nico Iamaleava — the college football world took notice. It was a bold move from new head coach DeShaun Foster, signaling that the Bruins aren’t content with just rebuilding — they’re aiming to compete.

But for Joey Aguilar, the quarterback who led Appalachian State to an 8–5 record in 2023 and transferred to UCLA with hopes of being the starter, the Iamaleava addition naturally raised questions. Would there be a true quarterback competition? Was the job he thought he’d be fighting for now out of reach? And most importantly — what was going through the mind of the new Bruins head coach, who had just inherited the program from Chip Kelly?

In a candid moment during spring practice media availability, Foster offered insight into his conversation with Aguilar after the Bruins brought in Iamaleava. His explanation was more than just about depth charts or scheme fits — it was about honesty, culture, and competition.

The Portal Shake-Up: UCLA Goes Big With Iamaleava

Before diving into the conversation between Foster and Aguilar, it’s important to understand the magnitude of UCLA’s move.

Nico Iamaleava was one of the crown jewels of the 2023 recruiting class — a top-three national player, a quarterback with sky-high upside, and the face of Tennessee’s NIL revolution. When he entered the transfer portal after the 2024 season, it was nothing short of a bombshell. Despite starting the final four games for Tennessee and showing flashes of elite potential, Iamaleava opted to leave Knoxville amid speculation of coaching staff discord and a system mismatch.

UCLA pounced.

Foster and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy knew that bringing in a quarterback of Iamaleava’s pedigree would turn heads — and potentially ruffle feathers in their own quarterback room. But for a program transitioning from the Chip Kelly era and trying to find its identity in the Big Ten, it was a calculated risk that could set the tone for years to come.

Still, the move begged a major question: what happens to Joey Aguilar?

Joey Aguilar: The Quiet Contender

Aguilar is no slouch. After starting his career in junior college, he found success with Appalachian State and made a name for himself as a reliable, accurate passer who could lead a team. He threw for over 3,200 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2023 and was considered one of the more underrated quarterbacks available in the portal.

When he committed to UCLA, he likely envisioned a clear path to the starting job — especially with Dante Moore and Ethan Garbers both having exited the program. But everything changed when Iamaleava came on board.

For Aguilar, the message was clear: the Bruins were now adding a quarterback with arguably more raw talent and a higher ceiling. Still, DeShaun Foster wasn’t going to let that create division or confusion. He knew he had to have a real, honest conversation.

DeShaun Foster’s Message: “Iron Sharpens Iron”

Speaking to reporters after practice, Foster said the first thing he did after the Iamaleava announcement was sit down with Aguilar.

“I told Joey the truth,” Foster said. “This is college football in 2025. If you want to win, you need more than one guy in that room who can do it. I told him Nico’s coming in, yes, but this isn’t a coronation. This is a competition.”

Foster’s background as a former player — a bruising, no-nonsense running back — means his philosophy is built around toughness and transparency. And he wasn’t going to make promises he couldn’t keep.

“Joey earned everything he’s gotten in his career,” Foster continued. “He came here expecting to compete, and nothing about that has changed. We’re not giving jobs away. Nico has to come in and prove he belongs. Same for Joey. Same for every player.”

This was a stark departure from how many programs operate in today’s transfer-heavy landscape. Many quarterbacks pick schools with unspoken guarantees. Foster, however, is betting on a different model — one where culture and competition go hand-in-hand.

Inside the QB Room: Bieniemy’s Role

Eric Bieniemy, the Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator formerly of the Chiefs and Commanders, now brings an NFL lens to the Bruins’ offense. His experience coaching MVP Patrick Mahomes and managing loaded quarterback rooms in the pros adds a unique dimension to the situation.

According to Foster, Bieniemy was “completely on board” with the plan to bring in Iamaleava, but also supportive of how they handled the messaging to Aguilar.

“EB and I sat down with Joey together,” Foster said. “This wasn’t a one-man show. We explained exactly why we brought Nico in. We told him we believe in both of them. But they’ll have to show us who wants it more.”

Bieniemy’s pro-style offense will challenge both quarterbacks — not just physically, but mentally. And that’s exactly what Foster wants.

“I don’t want just one guy ready to play,” he added. “In the Big Ten, with the defenses we’ll face, you better have two or three guys who can go win a game.”

Aguilar’s Response: “Let’s Go”

To his credit, Joey Aguilar didn’t sulk. He didn’t transfer again. He embraced the challenge.

Those around the program say Aguilar showed up to spring workouts locked in and more vocal than ever. He’s been a steady presence in the film room, has impressed during 7-on-7 drills, and has earned praise from teammates for his leadership.

“Joey didn’t flinch,” Foster said. “He just said, ‘Let’s go.’ That tells you everything you need to know.”

Aguilar knows that even if he doesn’t win the starting job, he’s putting himself in position to play high-level football, potentially make the NFL, and earn the respect of a locker room that values grit over hype.

Iamaleava’s Arrival: Early Impact and Expectations

Nico Iamaleava has only been on campus a short while, but he’s already made waves. His first few throws in spring practice reportedly turned heads — the kind of effortless zip and deep-ball touch that only a handful of quarterbacks have. His 6-foot-6 frame, poise in the pocket, and mobility have drawn comparisons to Justin Herbert and Josh Allen.

But Foster and Bieniemy are intentionally keeping expectations measured.

“Nico has talent, no doubt,” Foster said. “But this isn’t high school anymore. This isn’t seven-on-seven. He’s going to be pushed. That’s the only way we’re going to get the best out of him.”

There’s also the question of leadership. Iamaleava was more soft-spoken at Tennessee, often deferring to older teammates. At UCLA, he’ll have to learn to command a huddle, own the offense, and lead grown men — all under the pressure of being a former five-star in the most visible city in college football.

So while the hype is real, the job is not guaranteed.

The Bigger Picture: Foster’s Culture Overhauls

In many ways, the Iamaleava-Aguilar saga is a microcosm of what DeShaun Foster is trying to build at UCLA. He doesn’t want stars — he wants competitors. He’s trying to shift the program from finesse to force. From entitlement to earned.

“You earn everything here,” Foster said. “Whether you’re a walk-on or a five-star.”

This has extended beyond the quarterback room. Foster has brought in a handful of transfers across the roster, each told the same thing: no handouts. If you want to play, show us.

That’s resonating with players, alumni, and fans alike — many of whom have long felt UCLA underachieved despite being in the talent-rich heart of Southern California.

“We’re not here to make friends,” Foster said. “We’re here to win. But we’re going to do it the right way. The hard way.”

What Happens Next: The Summer Battle

As spring practice winds down, the quarterback battle is far from settled. Both Iamaleava and Aguilar are expected to get first-team reps through the summer and into fall camp. Foster says he won’t name a starter until someone “separates himself.”

The Bruins open the season with a Big Ten road trip to Purdue — a game that could set the tone for the entire year. Whoever starts that game will have earned it, not been handed it.

And whoever backs him up will be expected to stay ready — a lesson reinforced by every coach in the building.

More Than Just A QB Battle

The addition of Nico Iamaleava and DeShaun Foster’s honest conversation with Joey Aguilar reflect a new era at UCLA — one where tough conversations are had face-to-face, where competition is embraced, and where depth is not a luxury but a necessity.

It’s a high-stakes move that could pay off in a big way if both quarterbacks buy in — and so far, they have.

For Foster, it’s not just about wins and losses. It’s about changing the DNA of a program that’s been stuck in neutral for too long.

“You build culture by being honest. That’s what I told Joey. That’s what I told Nico. That’s what I’ll tell every player who walks in here.”

With a new vision, a fearless leader, and one of the most intriguing quarterback battles in the country, UCLA football in 2025 is must-watch — and it all started with one conversation.