Returning players edition Nico Iamaleava

Nico Iamaleava returns for his second season with UCLA. The 2025 season was a mixed bag of results. There was a little bit of good and quite a bit of bad. But not all of that blame falls on the shoulders of Iamaleava. As he was put in many tough positions and lacked any protection from the offensive line. Often having to scramble or move around the pocket. Never really having a clean space to throw. When he did get time during the Bruins three game winning streak, he played really good football.

There was a lot of speculation surrounding Iamaleava after the 2025 season concluded. There was a possibility that he could hit the transfer portal or even enter his name into the NFL Draft. The ladder being a longshot but still a possibility due to a weak QB class. The 2027 class is expected to be a strong one. When Iamaleava announced that he would return to UCLA for 2026. It was seen as a big-time announcement helping Bob Chesney check off a box that was needed.

Quarterback is the most important position on the football field to many teams. Iamaleava has a high ceiling, and UCLA was most likely not going to find somebody of equal talent. Especially since UCLA is trying to accelerate this rebuild. By going out and getting 41 transfers including some really good offensive talent. They are imposition to compete for a bowl game in 2026. Putting to bed questions on what their outlook should be for the season. Doubling their win total f3 three to six is a high possibility.

Iamaleava will be in much better position to have a better 2026 season. As UCLA has fixed up their offensive line through the transfer portal. As well as adding talent on offense. Such as Wayne Knight and Landon Ellis both from James Madison. He should be able to have a more explosive season as well as a cleaner season. Most games his jersey was filled with grass stains. Dean Kennedy will be hard at work to get his quarterback back to the level of play he had when leading Tennessee to the 2024 College Football Playoff.