The first full slate of college football took place on Saturday. For Tennessee fans, all eyes were initially on Syracuse, and after the Vols won that game handily, attention quickly shifted to UCLA. That’s because Nico Iamaleava, the former Tennessee quarterback, made his debut with the Bruins after transferring in what many considered an odd and abrupt departure. His exit stemmed largely from failed NIL negotiations with Tennessee.
“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.
To put it bluntly, Iamaleava had a rough debut for UCLA — rough enough that Fox Sports analyst Aaron Torres didn’t hold back, even calling his decision to leave Tennessee one of the worst financial moves in recent memory.
“Nico Iamaleava is the second best transfer QB just in this UCLA-Utah game. Devon Dampier balling. Nico.... not so much. Leaving Tennessee will go down as an all-time bag drop. Quite literally,” Torres wrote.
Torres didn’t stop there. He also took aim at Iamaleava’s father, who reportedly played a key role in pushing for the transfer due to concerns over Tennessee’s offensive line and receiver play.
“If Nico's dad wasn't happy with the o-line play and wide receivers at Tennessee — I CANNOT wait to hear what he's gonna have to say about tonight,” Torres posted.
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Even Pro Football Talk chimed in, referencing a quote from legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban to comment on UCLA’s apparent misfire.
“Last year, Nick Saban said, 'If you don't pay the right guys, you'll be s**t out of luck.' Tennessee opted not to pay Nico Iamaleava. UCLA did. Based on the first game, UCLA looks to be the one that's SOL,” Pro Football Talk posted.
Iamaleava spent most of his night under pressure and on the run. It was far from the debut he and the Bruins had hoped for. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s gamble to not give in to his $4 million demand seems to be paying off. Joey Aguilar stepped in and balled out on Saturday, and the offensive line — a major concern that reportedly influenced Iamaleava’s departure — didn’t allow a single sack.
It’s early, but based on Week 1, Iamaleava may have left for the wrong reasons and landed in a worse situation — especially at the position group that mattered most to his father.