Latest Rumors on Nico Iamaleava's UCLA Future Amid CFB Transfer Portal Buzz

After his sudden departure from Tennessee last offseason, Nico Iamaleava is staying put this year.

On3's Hayes Fawcett previously reported the UCLA quarterback has re-signed with the Bruins.

Iamaleava was initially noncommittal about his future in Los Angeles.

"No I haven't," Iamaleava told USA Today's Jordan Mendoza. "I was focused on this game and practice."

Iamaleava was a 5-star recruit and the No. 2 quarterback in the class of 2023, per 247Sports' composite rankings, but he hasn't exactly lived up to those designations through his first few seasons.

After redshirting during the 2023 campaign, he was Tennessee's starter in 2024 and threw for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions while leading the Vols to a College Football Playoff appearance.

Despite a promising first season with Tennessee, Iamaleava opted to enter the transfer portal in the spring. The quarterback reportedly was seeking a new NIL deal and seemingly attempted to conduct a holdout of sorts, skipping practices amid reported NIL disputes.

Iamaleava denied that his transfer had anything to do with finances and said it was more about being close to his family.

He ultimately decided to transfer to UCLA, but his first season with the Bruins was one to forget. The redshirt sophomore struggled, throwing for just 1,928 yards, 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions as UCLA finished 3-9. He added 505 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

Iamaleava's struggles weren't entirely his fault as he played behind a weak offensive line and dealt with a coaching change during the season.

Iamaleava will now see things through with new head coach Bob Chesney, and he'll look to bounce back after a rough sophomore season.