Fri Jul 25 06:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Iamaleava Shuns Tennessee Past, Embraces UCLA Future at Big Ten Media Days
**Los Angeles, CA** – Nico Iamaleava, the former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback, made his first public appearance since his controversial transfer to UCLA at Big Ten Media Days this week, pointedly avoiding any mention of his time in Knoxville. Sporting UCLA blue, Iamaleava focused solely on his new chapter with the Bruins, despite his Tennessee highlights playing on the Big Ten Network screen.
Iamaleava’s departure from Tennessee in April was reportedly fueled by a dispute over his NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal, with ESPN reporting that his representatives sought to increase his compensation to $4 million per year, using the transfer portal as leverage. His move subsequently led to UCLA quarterback Joey Aguilar transferring to Tennessee, where he’ll now compete for the starting role.
“I’m closer to my family. All my family can come to the games now,” Iamaleava explained, emphasizing the comfort of being closer to his California roots. He also cited the welcoming atmosphere of the UCLA coaching staff and players as key factors in his decision.
UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster praised Iamaleava’s toughness displayed during Tennessee’s College Football Playoff loss to Ohio State. Despite a challenging passing performance, Iamaleava rushed for two touchdowns in the game. “We’re just excited to have a playoff quarterback, somebody who was able to lead his team to the playoffs,” Foster said.
Iamaleava is now focused on bringing a winning culture to UCLA, a program that went 5-7 last season. “The main thing for me is to bring a championship culture back to Westwood,” he stated. “I hate losing, so I’m a big-time winner.”
While UCLA initially teased Iamaleava wearing retired number 8, previously worn by NFL legend Troy Aikman, the updated roster reveals he will wear No. 9 for the Bruins in the upcoming 2025 season.
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