UCLA may be looking to add another quarterback for the 2025 season.
Here is a look at 247 Sports strongly indicating that former Tennessee quarterback Nico Lamalea could possibly transfer to UCLA.
“The only school I would highlight as a possibility right now is UCLA” @chris_hummer says the Bruins could be a landing spot for former Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava 🗣️
— 247Sports (@247Sports) April 14, 2025
Iamaleava ranks as the No. 1 prospect in the transfer portal rankings pic.twitter.com/6Tg40IXDbc
National media talk sports shows are talking about Lamaleva heading west to California to play college football this upcoming season.
Nico Iamaleava's departure from Tennessee is "not just about the money," says Joel Klatt 🤔
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 14, 2025
Could we see the SoCal native end up at USC or UCLA? 👀@heykayadams | @JoelKlatt pic.twitter.com/9F9U4mhL5j
UCLA has the best odds of having Lamaleava transfer to be a Bruin.
Odds for Nico Iamaleava's next team (per https://t.co/AlI6vHhvMO):
— Dave Biddle (@davebiddle) April 14, 2025
UCLA 2/1
North Carolina 5/2 (+250)
USC 3/1
Texas Tech 5/1
Colorado 6/1
Arizona State 7/1
Notre Dame 9/1
Maryland 11/1
Oregon 12/1
Cal 16/1
Syracuse 20/1
The odds for the team he transfers to in '26 not out yet.
The latest development per On3.
NEW: UCLA is holding strong on its offer to Nico Iamaleava, which is significantly less than $4M, @PeteNakos_ reports.
— On3 (@On3sports) April 16, 2025
The relationship between UCLA & Iamaleava’s camp is unique after Nico's brother flipped from the Bruins to Arkansas on signing day.https://t.co/0XZLOqxI8j pic.twitter.com/SmzZMMbFaT
“UCLA is still very much a viable option.”
— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) April 15, 2025
— @PeteNakos_ on potential landing spots for Nico Iamaleava pic.twitter.com/8oPk7VeyNo
UCLA is reportedly a major candidate for signing Iamaleava. Because Iamaleava is from Downey, CA, which is just north of Long Beach and southeast of Los Angeles, he could transfer to UCLA to be closer to his hometown. Multiple key factors are influencing this potential move, with NIL deals reportedly significantly influencing Iamaleava's choice. UCLA potentially needs a quarterback, but Joey Aguilar transferred to UCLA from Appalachian State this off-season.
Nico leaving Tennessee does not allow him to transfer to another SEC school and play immediately, so he must attend a non-SEC school to play in 2025. As noted earlier, UCLA is one of the favorites for getting Lamaleava to transfer to UCLA, per certain oddsmakers. Lamaleava may relocate to UCLA due to his California background, UCLA's quarterback needs, and NIL agreements.