After what feels like months of waiting, we finally have our answer on why former 5-star Tennessee football quarterback and new UCLA signal-caller Nico Iamaleava decided to leave Knoxville. Iamaleava spoke with reporters at Big Ten Media Days and his answer might surprise you.
When asked directly why he had signed with UCLA, Iamaleava didn't hesitate in saying that this wasn't about money or an improved NIL deal. Rumors flew that Iamaleava and his camp were chasing a bag after Carson Beck and others landed huge contracts. Instead, Iamaleava said that his move to Westwood was all about being closer to the family he has in California. Are Vols fans buying this?
“Family was the biggest thing to me.”
— Josh Ward (@Josh_Ward) July 24, 2025
Nico Iamaleava at Big Ten Media Days discussing his decision to leave Tennessee for UCLA
🎥 via @UCLAOn3 pic.twitter.com/yb2ezaIC7T
Nico Iamaleava shoots down rumors he left Tennessee football because of money
"Yeah, I'll say my decision to leave was extremely hard," Iamaleava said. "One of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. You know, family was the biggest thing to me and a lot of financial stuff - it was never that. It was me getting back home closer to my family and playing at the highest level with my family's support. With our Samoan culture, we're always together and that was a very important thing for me."
Iamaleava has been called out left and right by people this offseason, but it sure seems like he was sincere with his answer. However, that doesn't take away from the fact that people are still talking about the latest update from Kirk Herbstreit.
Last week, Herbie jumped on a podcast and claimed that part of the reason Iamaleava left town was because his dad was on Josh Heupel about not surrounding him with enough talent. On top of that, multiple reports came out saying that Nico was looking for more money, while also eyeing a better offensive fit.
Who are we supposed to believe here? At the end of the day, we've got to take Iamaleava's word for things and in his first public appearance discussing his controversial transfer, he indeed said this was 100 percent about closing out his college career closer to home.
His main highlight with Tennessee was no question winning 10 games last year and helping the Vols reach the CFP for the first time. Still, Iamaleava leaving town was a massive shock and people will continue to wonder what else he could have accomplished with UT had he decided to stay put playing for Heupel.