David Pollack suggests Nico Iamaleava could redshirt, re-enter transfer portal after DeShaun Foster firing

DeShaun Foster’s firing at UCLA was the first domino to fall after the Bruins began their season 0-3. Could QB Nico Iamaleava be the next to leave?

David Pollack questioned whether Iamaleava will choose to move on from UCLA. After all, players on UCLA’s roster have 30 days following Foster’s firing to enter the NCAA transfer portal. Several are expected to take the opportunity and because only three games have passed — some have the ability to take a redshirt.

“I wonder if Nico redshirts and calls it quits and puts himself in the portal again,” Pollack said on his show, See Ball Get Ball. “… I mean, I know he could go pro, but I don’t know.”

Notably, Iamaleava has already utilized his redshirt during his true freshman season at Tennessee, so this wouldn’t be an option for him. However, he could enter the transfer portal by rule.

Iamaleava has been the subject of criticism during the Bruins’ losing streak. UCLA is averaging 14.3 points per game across its three losses, including two outings where Iamaleava and the offense were held to 10 points.

Despite this, Iamaleava is UCLA’s leading passer and rusher through three games. He’s completed 62 of his 97 passing attempts (63.9%) for 608 yards, but has the same amount of touchdowns (3) as he does interceptions. He’s added 30 carries for 139 yards and another touchdown to his credit this year.

There were high hopes that Iamaleava could enter the Bruins program and be the catalyst for an improved UCLA on the field every Saturday. After all, he led Tennessee to a College Football Playoff berth during his first season as the starter in Knoxville.

While the Bruins are gearing up to take on Northwestern in their Big Ten Conference opener in Week 5, they’ll be doing so without their now former head coach. It remains to be seen which players hit the portal during their allotted window.

Foster ultimately finished his time at UCLA with a 5-10 record, going 5-7 in 2024. The Bruins started 1-5 but rallied down the stretch, signaling good things to come. However, the slow start was enough for UCLA to move on from its head coach.

UCLA has named Tim Skipper as its interim head coach as the program begins its search for a new leader. Skipper previously led the title of special assistant to the head coach under Foster.

His first task will be defeating the Wildcats on the road on Sept, 27. UCLA is on its bye during Week 4, giving the program a chance to regroup after a weekend to remember in LA.