Nico Iamaleava Draws Mixed Reviews from CFB Fans in 1st Start for UCLA vs. Utah

Former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava recorded the first touchdown pass of his UCLA career during Saturday's season opener against Utah.

Unfortunately for he and the Bruins, that was the biggest highlight from a resounding 43-10 defeat.

Iamaleava didn't go above and beyond in his first game since abruptly departing from Tennessee amid negotiations over a reportedly NIL contract raise. He finished 11-of-22 for 136 yards, one touchdown and an interception, and he was UCLA's leading rusher with 47 yards on 13 carries.

The quarterback notched the first completion of his UCLA career on an 18-yard pass to Mikey Matthews in the opening quarter.

Vols fans were quick to point out that the incompletions Iamaleava threw past his receivers on the first drive reminded them of their former quarterback's struggles in Knoxville.

The Bruins' second drive ended when Iamaleava was sacked by Utes defensive end Logan Fano, leaving the home team facing a 13-0 deficit by the end of the first quarter.

Iamaleava seemed more settled on UCLA's third drive, during which he completed a 21-yard rush before capping off the possession by getting the ball to running back Anthony Woods for a touchdown.

Iamaleava led UCLA into field goal position on his final drive of the half to head into the break having gone 6-for-11 with 77 yards and a touchdown through the air, adding eight carries for 33 yards on the ground.

Following Iamaleava's reported decision to seek an NIL raise before suddenly leaving to join the Bruins, the Vols named UCLA transfer Joey Aguilar their starting quarterback in August.

Aguilar led the Volunteers to victory in his Tennessee debut, a 45-26 win over Syracuse in Saturday's season-opener.

The senior quarterback passed for 247 yards and three touchdowns, adding 92 yards on 12 carries in a performance that led fans to praise his fit in the Volunteers' offense.

Iamaleava spent two seasons with Tennessee before leaving to join UCLA this spring. The Bruins will hope he can get more settled into his new starting role in the month remaining before the program opens conference play on Sept. 27 at Northwestern.