The decision is in for former Tennessee Vols starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava. With him entering the transfer portal on Wednesday morning with the do not contact tag, it looked like it was only a matter of time until his next stop was going to be revealed.
Leave it up to Colin Cowherd of all people to let us know where he's heading next. Per Cowherd's sources, the move from Knoxville to Los Angeles is done for Iamaleava, with him on his way to play for the UCLA Bruins starting next season. However, Cowherd's sources also told him that this isn't about money. Instead, it's about Iamaleava wanting to play in a better fit offensively?
I am told — moments ago — Nico Iamaleava is going to UCLA. Family still claims it’s NOT about the 💰It’s about the @Vol_Football offense. I was not told what the Bruins are paying.
— Colin Cowherd (@colincowherd) April 16, 2025
Colin Cowherd is reporting Nico Iamaleava will transfer to UCLA
In recent days, it sure looks like Iamaleava's camp has been trying to backtrack on things. With it being reported several times that no one was going to touch the $4 million he was seeking in a new NIL deal - some schools were ready to offer around $1 million - a new angle is being sent out for everyone to chew on.
If the star quarterback is prioritizing a better offensive fit over money, why in the world is he going to UCLA? Iamaleava was in a brilliant spot to prepare for the NFL in Knoxville, as he was getting coached up by Josh Heupel and he also had a great relationship with QBs coach Joey Halzle.
Tennessee just went to the College Football Playoff last campaign too. The Bruins went 5-7 last season and couldn't do much of anything in conference play. Following a rough start, people were calling for DeShaun Foster to get fired. UCLA wants to stay competitive in the Big Ten, but simply adding Iamaleava isn't going to fully turn this team around.
If this indeed was about Tennessee's offense, why would Iamaleava not leave town after his redshirt season? Instead, he waited for his shot to be the starter, helped UT win 10 games in 2024 and reach the CFP for the first time ever. Oh, and he was also playing in front of 100,000 fans at Neyland Stadium. Don't forget he also didn't leave in the winter and went through the majority of spring camp.
Iamaleava was living the dream, but something suddenly changed for him and it was time to find a new home. Sorry, but claiming money has nothing to do with this is wild to even think about. Iamaleava's reps were chasing the bag and it now has him playing closer to home with the Bruins, though it's unknown how much he'll be getting paid next season.