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UCLA QB Nico Iamaleava makes decision on 2027 season, per report
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava helped the Bruins to their best start in years before a left knee injury ended his season. That opened speculation about whether he’d return to Westwood for his final year of eligibility, go back into the transfer portal, or declare for the NFL Draft.
It sounds as if Bruins fans needn’t be concerned, though. Iamaleava will be back at UCLA in 2027, On3’s Pete Nakos reported via Rudy Caamano, Iamaleava’s agent.
The Southern California native was the talk of college basketball when he entered the portal after two seasons at Tennessee and signed with UCLA. His first season in 2025 saw him throw for 1,928 yards, 13 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also ran for four touchdowns and 505 yards.
But the Bruins struggled mightily. Head coach Deshaun Foster, who had gone 5-7 in 2024, was fired three games into the season. UCLA finished 3-9, their worst record since an identical mark in 2018, Chip Kelly’s first season.
First-year coach Bob Chesney, though, has breathed new life into the program. The Bruins are 7-0 and 5-0 in the Big Ten. Their No. 7 ranking is their highest since 2015.
Iamaleava had appeared in five games before his injury against Oregon on October 10. Ty Diffenbach has stepped in behind center for UCLA.