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Nico Iamaleava keeps learning the grass isn't always greener after Tennessee exit

Another rough night for Nico.
ByBraulio Perez|
Aug 30, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) following the loss against the Utah Utes during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Aug 30, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) following the loss against the Utah Utes during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

It's safe to say that the 'offseason trade' has 100 percent been won by Tennessee football. Things are flying for the Vols to start the new season, as following the 72-17 win over East Tennessee State, UT is 2-0 heading into the highly-anticipated showdown with Georgia. Joey Aguilar is cooking.

The same can't be said for UCLA and signal-caller Nico Iamaleava. On Saturday night, the Bruins looked sharp in the second half, with Nico playing well to get his team in a position to potentially improve to 1-1.

However, on the final drive and UCLA looking to tie things up or go for the win, Iamaleava had a pass deflected up front and a game-ending interception was posted. With that, the Bruins are 0-2, which no one expected with the former 5-star signee taking over the offense:

Things are going from bad to worse for Nico Iamaleava after leaving Tennessee

UCLA was down 23-3 at halftime, which was downright eye-opening. As we mentioned, though, Iamaleava and Co. looked sharp in the second half - Nico ended up with 255 yards passing and one touchdown, but his effort fell short.

Looking at things overall, does anyone think he's got to be regretting his decision to leave Knoxville? The Bruins are going to be in the cellar of the Big Ten and it looks like a long season is on the way for him. That's not the case for UT, however, with Aguilar looking downright sensational thus far in '25.

Against East Tennessee State, he followed up his awesome showing vs. Syracuse with 288 passing yards and two touchdowns. Oh, and he did that in the first half. He was given the second half off thanks to the game being out of reach already.

Come next weekend, Aguilar will be looking to upset Georgia with the College GameDay crew on hand. Knoxville is going to be on another level on Sept. 13 and people can't wait to pack Neyland Stadium. It's going to be the best game of the weekend, with millions across the world watching. We hate to say it, but Iamaleava and his camp will probably be missing being a part of something so special, as UCLA will hope to get back on track in Week 3 with a late start against New Mexico.

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