Tennessee football transfer Nico Iamaleava and UCLA reportedly have a “unique” relationship due to the quarterback’s brother, Madden Iamaleava, flipping from the Bruins on national signing day.
According to On3’s Peter Nakos, that means Iamaleava didn't receive a deal from the Bruins anywhere close to the $4 million figure that’s been oft-reported he was looking for.
“UCLA is holding strong on its offer to Nico Iamaleava, which is significantly less than $4M, Peter Nakos reports,” a post from On3’s social media team read. “The relationship between UCLA & Iamaleava’s camp is unique after Nico's brother flipped from the Bruins to Arkansas on signing day.”
That $4 million figure may not exist in college football. CBS Sports’ Danny Kanell believes Iamaleava would be mistaken thinking Carson Beck got that from Miami.
Nic Iamaleava explained the relationship Madden had with UCLA before flipping to Arkansas, citing a desire to be in the SEC.
“It was a tough decision, I personally loved UCLA,” Iamaleava said, per 247 Sports. “UCLA was a great fit because it was close to home and we love the staff there.
“We have never even visited Arkansas before except when Tennessee played there (son Nico Iamaleava is Vols starting QB). We do have some relationships there though and Madden has always dreamed about playing in the SEC and now that's a reality for him.”
Life in the SEC wasn't what Nic bargained for, at least for Iamaleava. We'll see if life in the Big Ten is any different.