Iamaleava confirms 'incredibly difficult' decision to leave Tennessee

Quarterback Nico Iamaleava confirmed his transfer from Tennessee to UCLA on Sunday.

"My journey at UT has come to an end. This decision was incredibly difficult, and truthfully, not something I expected to make this soon," Iamaleava posted on his Instagram. "But I trust God's timing, and I believe he's leading me where I need to be."

"Even though, this chapter is ending, a new chapter has begun and I am committed to UCLA."

Iamaleava's departure from Tennessee unfolded quickly after he skipped one of the final practices before the team's annual spring game. The Volunteers decided to part ways with the starting quarterback after his representatives requested a raise that would increase his salary from the $2.4 million he was set to earn in 2025 to $4 million, sources told ESPN.

Considered one of the top passers in the 2023 recruiting class, Iamaleava signed an unprecedented deal with Tennessee's NIL collective in 2022 that was set to earn him more than $8 million over the course of his collegiate career with the Volunteers.

Iamaleava joins UCLA after leading Tennessee to a berth in the College Football Playoff last season. Joey Aguilar, who joined the program this offseason after spending time at Appalachian State, re-entered the transfer portal Monday, according to On3's Pete Nakos.

The 6-foot-6, 215-pound passer will play close to his hometown of Long Beach, California. UCLA recruited Iamaleava and got a commitment from his younger brother, Madden Iamaleava, out of high school before the latter ultimately signed with Arkansas.

UCLA will enter the program's second season aiming to improve on its 5-7 record from last year and will be led by head coach DeShaun Foster, who will be in his first season in the role.

Iamaleava passed for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns, five interceptions, and a 63.8% completion rate in 2024 while rushing for 358 yards and three scores.