UCLA's Nico Iamaleava predicted to transfer to NIL-heavy program, continue chasing the bag

Hunter Cookston

UCLA's Nico Iamaleava predicted to transfer to NIL-heavy program, continue chasing the bag image

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The UCLA Bruins were thrilled when Nico Iamaleava decided to return home and play in front of a local crowd. However, that excitement has quickly evaporated after a disappointing 0-3 start and the firing of head coach DeShaun Foster. Now, many are calling for Iamaleava to enter the transfer portal again once the season ends.

“Transferring again would allow Iamaleava to correct what he got wrong last time. For starters, get a deal done in the winter, and not the spring. If Iamaleava had taken care of his business last December, rather than dragging out his situation at Tennessee into April, he would’ve had better options than UCLA,” USA Today’s Blake Toppmeyer wrote.

Entering the portal again would give Iamaleava more opportunities — and one school that’s already being floated as a serious candidate is Texas Tech.

“The Red Raiders provide an appealing balance for a quarterback in Iamaleava’s position. Lubbock has proven to be a launchpad for signal-callers, with a history of high-volume passing offenses that showcase arm talent,” SI’s Matt De Lima wrote. “From an NIL perspective, Tech could also be aggressive. Iamaleava’s first transfer was partly driven by financial considerations, and while he likely will not regain the Tennessee-level valuation he once commanded, the Red Raiders’ infrastructure ensures he would be well-supported.”

Money remains a key factor for Iamaleava. After all, his departure from Tennessee was largely due to unmet financial demands.

“Right before the winter portal closed, Iamaleava’s reps wanted to see his deal upped to $4 million range and again this time as the spring portal opens Wednesday, and according to sources, Tennessee officials said they ‘weren’t going to blink,’” On3’s Chris Low wrote.

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Texas Tech has quickly become a serious player in the evolving college football landscape, thanks to one of the strongest NIL collectives in the country. And while Texas is a very different environment from California, Iamaleava seems to believe that — in the end — money talks.

Texas Tech could be an ideal landing spot for Iamaleava to revive his career. At this point, the idea of a one-year comeback at UCLA is looking increasingly unlikely.

Hunter Cookston

Hunter Cookston began his career as a sportswriter for the Marion Tribune, where he covered local high school football, basketball and baseball. His passion for sports started at the age of four when he played his first year of tee ball. Growing up in Tennessee, he developed a deep love for the Tennessee Volunteers and Atlanta Braves. Hunter is currently attending Tennessee Wesleyan University, where he is pursuing a BA in Sports Communications/Management.