Nico Iamaleava starts with a tough debut at UCLA and faces a long and lonely journey
August 30 had too much hype and anticipation for Nico Iamaleava’s debut with UCLA against Utah and that’s why I easily stayed awake to watch the game even with the late hours.
Like the rest, I had high expectations for his appearance but once again found disappointment. Iamaleava’s recollections as a Vol returned along with him to Pasadena and didn’t allow a moment of solace the entire game.
We found out only days ago after the bye week vs. Tennessee that Iamaleava was at the Oregon UCLA game. Why shouldn’t he be? It’s not strange to see a player shift fantasies to watch his former game. It’s given.
But the visit carried some extra weight. ESPN reported that Iamaleava’s camp quietly reached out to Oregon to gauge interest in a potential transfer. The Ducks weren’t biting. Neither were USC or Miami, according to reports. By the time he officially decided to leave Knoxville after spring practice, his options had narrowed significantly. UCLA became less of a chosen destination and more of a remaining opportunity.
A Debut Filled With Flashes—and Frustration
So how did the debut go?
Iamaleava showed glimpses of the talent that once made him one of the most hyped recruits in the country. He made a couple of highlight throws and flashed some mobility, rushing 13 times for 47 yards—more than he displayed at Tennessee last year while helping the Vols reach the College Football Playoff.
But for every spark, there were missed chances. He finished just 11-of-22 for 136 yards in a 43-10 blowout loss to Utah. Much like his days in Knoxville, open receivers were there, but he couldn’t connect consistently.
The bigger issue? He doesn’t have the same supporting cast he enjoyed with the Vols. UCLA returned just one starter on defense and, offensively, the Bruins look thin on playmakers.
High Expectations, Harsh Reality
Watching Iamaleava against Utah, I couldn’t help but feel the same curiosity an NFL scout might have when watching a once-promising prospect get a second chance. I’ll admit—I thought Nico would thrive at Tennessee. In fact, many of us did.
Even coaching legends like Nick Saban and Urban Meyer were singing his praises before he ever threw a pass in college. Saban called him the perfect fit for Josh Heupel’s offense. Meyer was so impressed after seeing him once that he urged colleagues to tune in.
But the truth is, the fit never materialized.
Why Did He Leave Tennessee?
Plenty of theories have surfaced since his transfer. Some said it was about being closer to home. Others suggested he wanted better receivers or tweaks to the offensive scheme.
But let’s be real—it was also about money. And while Tennessee gave him plenty when he signed, the relationship eventually soured.
If being close to home mattered so much, Iamaleava could have committed to a West Coast program straight out of high school. And as for the offense, he knew what Heupel ran before he ever stepped foot on campus. Still, Tennessee didn’t do him many favors either—they missed badly in the transfer portal by not adding proven receivers last offseason.
What Comes Next?
Here’s the harsh reality: Nico Iamaleava would have been better off staying at Tennessee. The Vols offered a bigger stage, more money, and a stronger roster. Instead, he’s now in Los Angeles, facing a tougher climb with fewer weapons around him.
Yes, he might flash brilliance here and there. But barring a major turnaround, UCLA won’t win as many games, and his market value will drop. By season’s end, don’t be surprised if he’s exploring the transfer portal yet again—searching for the place that can finally unlock the potential so many once believed in.
For now, though, his new chapter in Westwood is off to a rocky start.
