Home / Sports / Bruins Banking on Playoff-Tested Quarterback Iamaleava for 2023 Season
Bruins Banking on Playoff-Tested Quarterback Iamaleava for 2023 Season
24 Jul
Summary
- Nico Iamaleava, a highly-ranked 2023 recruit, transferred from Tennessee to UCLA in the offseason
- UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster is excited about Iamaleava's playoff experience and ability to lead the team
- UCLA is projected to finish 15th in the Big Ten this season, but has a manageable schedule

In the recent offseason, one of the biggest stories was quarterback Nico Iamaleava's transfer from Tennessee to UCLA. As the 2023 college football season approaches, this transfer drama appears to be fading in the Bruins' rearview mirror.
UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster, a UCLA alum, spoke enthusiastically about Iamaleava's arrival, noting the quarterback's impressive arm strength and overall talent. Foster highlighted Iamaleava's familiarity with the program and players, as well as the comfort of returning home, as factors that could help the Bruins reach new heights.
Iamaleava was a highly-ranked five-star recruit in the class of 2023 and is now a five-star transfer for the upcoming season. His experience playing in the SEC and at the playoff level made him an attractive addition for UCLA, which is projected to finish 15th in the Big Ten this year. While the Bruins face tough matchups against Penn State and Ohio State, they avoid other conference powers, giving them a manageable schedule.
Coach Foster is excited to have a "playoff quarterback" in Iamaleava, who he believes can lead the team to success in the 2023 season.