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Nico Iamaleava plays in a Tennessee game.
UCLA Bruins Football

Nico Iamaleava announces transfer to UCLA from Tennessee

Andrew Olson

By Andrew Olson

Published:

Nico Iamaleava has made it official. The former Tennessee quarterback is transferring to UCLA to continue his college football career.

On Sunday afternoon, Iamaleava announced his plans to play for the Bruins on social media.

First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for His grace, for continuing to bless my family, and for allowing me to live out my passion each and every day,” Iamaleava wrote in a post on Instagram.

“To the amazing people in Knoxville, thank you for embracing and uplifting me throughout my time there. I’ll be forever thankful for the support you showed me every step of the way and I’ll always cherish the relationships I built there and the memories I created with my brothers. I believe with all my heart that I gave my all as a Volunteer. I’m truly grateful for the time I had at UT.

“My journey at UT has come to an end. This decision was incredibly difficult, and truthfully, not something I expected to make this soon. But I trust God’s timing, and I believe He’s leading me where I need to be.

“Even though, this chapter is ending, a new chapter has begun and I am committed to UCLA!

Iamaleava’s announcement comes shortly after it was reported that UCLA coaches informed Bruins quarterbacks of the team’s plan to add Iamaleava.

The NCAA transfer portal opened Wednesday for undergraduate entry. Shortly after Iamaleava was reported to be in the portal, FOX Sports host Colin Cowherd posted that he was told Iamaleava would be heading to UCLA. Shortly following Cowherd’s social media post, college football insider Bruce Feldman reported Iamaleava was expected to transfer to UCLA.

Now it’s official. Iamaleava heads back to California after 2 seasons at Tennessee that ended with a nasty split. Iamaleava was reportedly seeking a new NIL contract with increased compensation. Per Cowherd, the family claims the transfer is about Tennessee’s offense.

Andrew Olson

A former Florida beat reporter, Andrew writes for the Saturday Tradition News Desk.