UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster couldn’t hide his enthusiasm on Tuesday, sharing that the Bruins simply couldn’t forgo the chance to bring in “the No. 1 player in the portal,” former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava. This comes on the heels of Iamaleava’s tumultuous transfer announcement that took place just days prior.
Foster took time to cut through the chatter surrounding Iamaleava’s departure from Tennessee, which had been marked by reports of hefty financial requests from his representation and attendance issues at practices. “You just have to go with your gut and with the people that you trust,” he explained. “It’s easy to get swept away by social media noise, but doing your homework is key. I think we did a great job vetting the situation, and now we’re excited to have him on board.”
A five-star prospect from Long Beach, California, Iamaleava was already familiar to UCLA, as the Bruins had recruited him out of high school. His entry into the transfer portal last Wednesday was notably facilitated by that local connection. Foster shared, “If it wasn’t a local kid, it would’ve been a little bit more difficult. But being able to see him play in high school and evaluate his time at Tennessee made the process easier. Plus, many of our current players know him well.”
Foster confirmed that Iamaleava won’t be joining the Bruins until the summer, giving the coaching staff some time to adjust and prepare for his arrival.
While at Tennessee, Iamaleava was making a substantial $2.4 million under a contract with Spyre Sports Group, which had positioned him for an impressive $10 million total over the course of his college career. However, sources disclosed that negotiations surrounding his potential return for a third season involved a proposed deal in the $4 million range from his camp.
Regarding Iamaleava’s new NIL deal with UCLA, Foster described it simply as “successful,” emphasizing that money wasn’t the driving factor for player mobility. “I don’t know what he was looking for or whatnot,” Foster said, “but what I do know is that he accepted our contract and is eager to be a Bruin. That’s what matters most to me.”
Once Iamaleava made his commitment, Foster relayed the news to quarterback Joey Aguilar, who had previously transferred from App State and was poised to compete for the starting role this season. Aguilar was informed that his NIL package wouldn’t hinder Iamaleava’s agreement, allowing him the choice to remain and vie for the job.
However, Aguilar ultimately entered the transfer portal on Monday and is reported to be heading to Tennessee. While discussing the competitive nature of college football, Foster likened it to his NFL experiences: “When I was in the NFL, they drafted a running back every year. Same at UCLA — we recruited more running backs while I was there. Competition is integral in this sport, for coaches and players alike.”
As college football continues to evolve, mimicking some aspects of the NFL, Foster anticipates that multiyear contracts between players and programs may soon become the norm. He expressed gratitude toward UCLA’s collective “Bruins for Life,” which has greatly enhanced the program’s ability to engage in conversations with players previously out of reach.
“I haven’t lost anybody to the transfer portal due to financial reasons,” Foster remarked. “We’ve been able to match or even exceed what others have offered. You want that competitive edge; those discussions mean you’re on the right path and gaining momentum.”
UCLA is looking to rebound from a challenging 5-7 season during which its offense faced significant struggles, finishing 14th in scoring and 12th in total offense within Big Ten play. At Tennessee last season, Iamaleava showcased his prowess, throwing for 2,619 yards and 19 touchdowns while leading the Volunteers into the College Football Playoff.
“This is creating a positive buzz for us,” Foster stated. “Keeping elite local talent here sends the message that you don’t have to go to certain conferences to find success and make it to the NFL. You can achieve your dreams right here in California.”
