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Nico Iamaleava makes transfer to 2025 Penn State football opponent official: Newsstand

Greg Pickelby: Greg Pickel04/21/25GregPickel

Penn State news, notes, and updates for April 21 include an update on a new addition for a 2025 Nittany Lions opponent, headlines of the day, and more. It’s time to dive into Monday’s top tweets and headlines about PSU and college athletics.

Penn State tweets of the day

Penn State could officially face one of the transfer portal’s biggest prospects in 2025. Former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava committed to UCLA on Sunday. It is expected that he will eventually win the starting job in Westwood. The Lions travel their for a Big Ten matchup on Oct. 4.

“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 on Instagram. “To the amazing people in Knoxville, thank you for embracing and uplifting me throughout my time there.

“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!”

The Bruins had one of the Big Ten’s worst offenses in 2024. Iamaleva threw for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions last fall. But, against the team’s best competition, he failed to perform at an elite level. The Bruins hope they can change that. They already brought former App State quarterback Joey Aguilar in this offseason to improve their attack. It’s unclear if he will still be staying at UCLA now.

Penn State finishes spring practice this week.

Headlines of the day

Star of Penn State offseason so far details strides made and what’s next: ‘I’m still getting to where I want to go’: Pickel, BWI

Drew Shelton on a veteran Penn State edge: ‘He can really do everything as a pass rusher’: Flounders, PennLive

Four-star OL Leo Delaney says Penn State is a “really special place”: Wiltfong, On3

NFL Draft Analyst Is ‘Pretty Confident’ New York Giants Will Pick Abdul Carter: Wogenrich, SI

The plan to play him both ways has key target Joey O’Brien raving about Nittany Lions: Wiltfong, On3

Penn State DT Xavier Gilliam poised for sizable role in 2025: Linderman, Daily Collegian

Quote of the day

“It’s such a special place because I’m from (Pennsylvania). Getting to play in front of my family and friends every game would be special. 

“They have been having so much success because of the coaches they have. They really develop you at Penn State especially on the defensive side of the ball. Coach Dex was that guy when he played so it’s easy to trust him and know that he is telling you the right thing.”

Class of 2026 athlete Joey O’Brien on PSU.