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Nico Iamaleava 'can't wait' to play again, put offseason drama behind him

FaceProfileby: Thomas Goldkamp08/27/25
Nico Iamaleava
UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava seen here during a fall camp practice on campus at Drake Stadium on Aug. 19, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Isabella Serafini/UCLA Athletics)

Few quarterbacks have been a part of as much drama this offseason as Nico Iamaleava. The new UCLA quarterback transferred from Tennessee this offseason following a disagreement over his NIL compensation in Knoxville.

That has led to all manner of proclamations about what he should or shouldn’t have done. Through it all, Iamaleava is ready for one thing: getting back on the football field.

“I’m excited, man,” Iamaleava said. “I can’t wait, man. It’s been an exciting moment for me just to get out there and go play football again. It’s been a while. Little over a year, so I can’t wait to just get out there again.”

After waiting for his shot at Tennessee, Nico Iamaleava took full advantage in 2024. He threw for 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns, also running for 358 yards and three scores. He led Tennessee to the College Football Playoffs.

But the relationship soured after the season, and Iamaleava ended up bolting after reaching an impasse in negotiations over his NIL compensation. He opted to head to UCLA, closer to home in Long Beach, Calif.

Some have hotly debated that decision. Was it the right call for Nico Iamaleava?

Colin Cowherd: He shouldn’t have left

At least one prominent national voice believes Nico Iamaleava was in the wrong for leaving Tennessee. While serving as a guest on The Joel Klatt Show, FOX Sports personality Colin Cowherd interrupted to play host for a minute. He wanted to talk about Iamaleava.

“Nico Iamaleava, fascinating. I’ve said pageant mom has become quarterback dad,” Cowherd said. “Like it’s the same thing. You’re squeezing so hard you’re hurting your kid. It’s just off-balance, it’s the parent getting too close.

“He shouldn’t have left Tennessee. They have better players, you’re going to face more NFL bodies in that schedule compared to UCLA’s this year, whatever.”

Nico Iamaleava should certainly help raise the level of play at UCLA. Enough for the Bruins to be competitive on an every-Saturday basis in the Big Ten this fall? That remains to be seen. But the 6-foot-6 quarterback is just happy to be playing again.