Nico Iamaleava Seeks Redemption at UCLA After Tennessee Departure

In the weeks leading up to the 2025 college football season, UCLA has taken a more relaxed approach to media access, a stark contrast to the strict policies implemented earlier. This shift has allowed the team's new quarterback, Nico Iamaleava, to speak openly with reporters about his transition to Westwood.

Iamaleava, a former Tennessee Volunteer, is now back home in Downey, California, seeking to revive his career at UCLA. The young signal-caller acknowledges the importance of quickly establishing connections with his new teammates, stating, "It's important, man - just the guys getting to know me. I'm a new guy coming in, and in a short amount of time, I think them getting to know me, my leadership style, and how I lead the team has been great."

To ensure he and his teammates are on the same page, Iamaleava has been putting in "extra work" after practices, repping missed throws multiple times to solidify his understanding of the offense. This dedication has not gone unnoticed, as the Bruins' new offensive coordinator, Tino Sunseri, prepares to unleash Iamaleava's potential, drawing comparisons to his previous success with transfer quarterback Kurtis Rourke at Indiana.

As UCLA gears up for their season opener against former Pac-12 rival Utah, now a non-conference matchup, Iamaleava's journey to redemption in Westwood is just beginning.