Headlined by former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava, the UCLA Bruins arguably had one of the best transfer portals in college football. Consequently, recruiting outlet On3 recognized the Bruins as the 13th-best program in terms of growth via the portal.
After a disappointing 5-7 record last season, Westwood was not posed as a likely destination for any top transfer. However, that changed when Iamaleava decided to commit to UCLA as the top transfer player in the portal.
Iamaleava will now step into a defined role as the roster’s top QB, and will look to light up the college football scene with hopes of major achievements.
Who is UCLA QB Nico Iamaleava?
Before being one of the more potential-filled QBs in college, Iamaleava was making a name for himself in high school. The UCLA QB attended Warren High School in California. In 23 varsity games, he emerged as a five-star recruit with 5,234 passing yards, 75 passing touchdowns, seven interceptions, 59.8 completion percentage, 574 rushing yards, and 10 rushing touchdowns.
R E A L P L A Y E R🎮@ChadSimmons_ @GregBiggins @BrandonHuffman pic.twitter.com/PPNt5In0cs
— Nico Iamaleava Jr.🇦🇸 🇼🇸 (@nico_iamaleava8) December 19, 2021
Additionally, On3 ranked the 6-foot-6 prospect as the No. 6 overall player and No. 3 quarterback in the 2023 class. Iamaleava received 26 Division-1 offers before eventually committing to the University of Tennessee. He spent the majority of his freshman year backing up current NFL QB Joe Milton III.
Iamaleava blew onto the scene in 2024, throwing for 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns on a 63.8 completion percentage in 13 games — leading the No. 7 Volunteers to a 10-3 record. Even with elite arm talent, Iamaleava is more than just a pocket passer. He exposes defenses with his legs as well, rushing for 358 yards and three touchdowns.
Nico Iamaleava highlights pic.twitter.com/rNo479THm7
— Buckeye Highlights (@OSUBuckiHighlit) December 18, 2024
The highly-talented gunslinger is back in his home state of California and will look to be the fourth QB drafted from UCLA since 2000.
What to expect from Nico Iamaleava in 2025?
With the transfer drama behind him, Iamaleava is set on leading UCLA back into a winning program with an offense centered around him. With the keys to the offense, the Long Beach native is primed for a Heisman-caliber season. A revamped Bruins squad that is aiming to become multi-dimensional and fast-paced will open opportunities for Iamaleava to display his full potential.
We have seen the damage he can cause to SEC-ranked opponents, so a transition to the Big 10 shouldn’t be a problem. His knack for having a calm presence under center will be beneficial to the style UCLA will look to run in 2025.
If head coach DeShaun Foster puts his full confidence in Iamaleava, the sky could be the limit. He can be the Blue and Gold’s first 3000-yard passer since Dorian Thompson-Robinson (2021), and possibly even eclipse 4000 if UCLA finds themselves playing more than its scheduled 12 games.
In essence, Iamaleava is positioning himself as one of the top breakout quarterbacks heading into the 2025-25 college football season.
Strengths
When looking at Iamaleava’s game, it’s hard to look past his natural arm ability. He throws one of the best — and prettiest — deep balls in the country, and his tape is evidence. There isn’t one throw that Iamaleava can’t make, even under duress. Moreover, his quick release meshed with his power makes it extremely difficult for defenders to get hands on his ball, especially in short route concepts. He trusts his instincts, and when he finds a window he delivers a perfect strike to his receivers.
NICO IAMALEAVA 66-YARD TOUCHDOWN TO D’ONTE THORNTON JR. 🔥
THE VOLS GET THINGS STARTED IN NORMAN 🍿 pic.twitter.com/v75NkyqxRD
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 22, 2024
In addition to that, Iamaleava’s six-foot-six frame paired with his mobility makes him a defensive nightmare. He can sit in the pocket and scan the field cleanly. And when all else fails, he can escape the pocket and make moves on the run. The natural skills are undeniable and the potential is sky-high. A player with his size and speed is not fairly common, making him a game-changing player. However, it’ll be up to UCLA to fully unleash the monster they possess.
Who is Nico Iamaleava’s Player Comparison?
There isn’t one player Nico Iamaleava is a carbon copy of, but his sheer talent, size and ability are similar to Oregon’s Justin Herbert and USC’s Caleb Williams.
Like Herbert, Iamaleava is a big-framed, gunslinging QB who can connect with his receivers anywhere on the field and possesses the raw tools to be a great college prospect.
However, the Bruins’ QB differentiates himself from Herbert with his mobility and improvisational skills. Similar to recent No. 1 overall pick Williams, Iamaleava is electric when plays extend. The longer the play, the more advantage the Tennessee transfer has.
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Eric Hayrapetian
Eric is a lifelong Angeleno and a sports journalist who graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. He joined The League Winners in January of 2025, and is the lead beat writer for the UCLA Bruins. Follow Eric on X (formerly known as Twitter) @EricHayrapetian.