UCLA Reportedly Tells QBs on Roster About Expected Nico Iamaleava Transfer

UCLA's coaching staff has informed its quarterbacks that Tennessee's Nico Iamaleava is expected to transfer into the program, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.

Imaleava officially announced the news later on Sunday.

Following the news that the 20-year-old was returning to the West Coast with UCLA, he posted this on social media:

"First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for His grace, for continuing to bless my family, and for allowing me to live out my passion each and every day.

"To the amazing people in Knoxville, thank you for embracing and uplifting me throughout my time there. I’ll be forever thankful for the support you showed me every step of the way and I’ll always cherish the relationships I built there and the memories I created with my brothers. I believe with all my heart that I gave my all as a Volunteer. I’m truly grateful for the time I had at UT.

"My journey at UT has come to an end. This decision was incredibly difficult, and truthfully, not something I expected to make this soon. But I trust God’s timing, and I believe He’s leading me where I need to be.

"Even though, this chapter is ending, a new chapter has begun and I am committed to UCLA!"

Iamaleava threw for 2,616 yards with the Tennessee Volunteers last season, adding 19 passing touchdowns and three more on the ground.

The rising redshirt sophomore entered the transfer portal last Wednesday after his second season at Tennessee and amid an NIL dispute.

Following the team's spring game on April 12, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel announced the program would be moving on from Iamaleava after the quarterback missed practice and team meetings on Friday without notifying anyone, then cut off communication afterward, per Thamel.

Despite the circumstances, Heupel expressed gratitude toward Iamaleava, calling the situation "unfortunate" but adding, "there's no one bigger than the Power T, and that includes me," per Thamel.

According to ESPN's Chris Low, Iamaleava was seeking at least $4 million from Tennessee after previously earning $2.4 million through Spyre Sports Group. UCLA's offer is reportedly not close to that figure.

UCLA finished last season 5-7 in the Big Ten during head coach DeShaun Foster's first year at the helm following Chip Kelly's departure.

Bruins senior quarterback Ethan Garbers threw for 2,727 yards with 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, ranking 14th in the conference. Backup QB and sophomore Justyn Martin appeared in three games, posting 179 yards and one touchdown.

Iamaleava helped lead the Volunteers to a 10-3 record and a College Football Playoff appearance against the eventual national champion Ohio State Buckeyes. He completed 45.2 percent of his passes for 104 yards and added two rushing touchdowns in the 42-17 loss.