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UCLA is waking up to the Nico Iamaleava reality Tennessee fans already knew

Well, it didn't take long for UCLA fans to be frustrated with Nico's play.
ByBraulio Perez|
Aug 30, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) leaves the field following the loss aganst the Utah Utes at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Aug 30, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) leaves the field following the loss aganst the Utah Utes at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Thud. In terms of a debut, things really could not have gone much worse for former Tennessee football 5-star signee and standout quarterback Nico Iamaleava with UCLA. In front of a half-empty stadium, the Bruins were demolished at home by the Utah Utes. 

The final score was 43-10, which no one expected. Iamaleava had his struggles on the night too, throwing for only 136 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He was 11-of-22 on his attempts, which was downright wild. 

The main issue for Nico in this one? He continues to be inconsistent throwing the ball. This was something Vols fans knew all about last season, but now the UCLA faithful is seeing it first hand. On Saturday night, Iamaleava had a man wide open for six if he just put the ball where it needed to be on his first downfield toss in blue. Instead, he overthrew it and the pigskin hit the turf: 

Joey Aguilar delivers incredible Tennessee quote after his dream Vols debut

Nico Iamaleava's inconsistency is now UCLA's problem and not Tennessee's

We hate to pile on Nico, but goodness, these are just throws that he's got to be able to make by now. Alas, that's something for the UCLA coaching staff to focus on and it's not a worry at all for Tennessee and head man Josh Heupel.

Instead, Heupel is going to be looking at the impressive game film with Joey Aguilar after his dream debut for the Vols in the win over Syracuse. On the day, the App State transfer tossed for 247 yards and three touchdowns. Aguilar was a bit shaky to start, but he calmed down and finished with fantastic numbers. 

Next up for Tennessee will be a home showdown against East Tennessee State. With Neyland Stadium rockin' for the home opener, the expectation is that Aguilar will have another performance to remember in leading the Vols offense. 

Then, everyone is going to turn their attention to the Week 3 matchup with Georgia. That's going to be a blockbuster battle and it's one that people can't wait for. If Aguilar helps the Vols beat Georgia too, his celebrity status will keep on growing. Not only. that, but it will further convince people that Tennessee was a major winner in the offseason 'trade' with UCLA involving Iamaleava and Aguilar. 

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