UCLA Coaching Staff Makes Decision On Nico Iamaleava. Transfer Joey Aguilar Now Has Options

UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster informed the quarterbacks currently on the roster on Saturday night that Nico Iamaleava is planning on transferring to the school, according to multiple sources. 

The former Tennessee quarterback entered the transfer portal 10 days ago after a falling out with the school that led to him skipping the Vols final practice before their spring game. In a move to secure his immediate future, Iamaleava and his camp discussed the potential move back to the West Coast with the Bruins head coach. 

Saturday night, Deshaun Foster called the current QBs to inform them that Nico Iamaleava would be heading to Westwood, and that it would be an open competition for the starting role. Now, with veteran college quarterback Joey Aguilar on the roster, it will be interesting to see what transpires from here. 

On Sunday afternoon, Nico Iamaleava released a statement on social media, committing to UCLA, while also thanking Tennessee fans. 

"First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for His grace, for continuing to bless my family, and for allowing me to live out my passion each and every day.," Nico said. "To the amazing people in Knoxville, thank you for embracing and uplifting me throughout my time there. I’ll be forever thankful for the support you showed me every step of the way and I’ll always cherish the relationships I built there and the memories I created with my brothers. I believe with all my heart that I gave my all as a Volunteer. I’m truly grateful for the time I had at UT.

"My journey at UT has come to an end. This decision was incredibly difficult, and truthfully, not something I expected to make this soon. 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!"

How This Played Out Behind The Scenes At UCLA, Iamaleava Included

According to multiple sources, Aguilar and the other QBs will meet with the coaching staff on Monday to discuss the ongoing events. Due to Joey Aguilar transferring into the program during the winter portal period, he has been with the team for the past four months, building up trust with his teammates. There has been a push by his current UCLA teammates for him to stay, and battle for the job. 

Sources tell OutKick that he will go over his options, with folks behind the scenes looking at the college football landscape to see where a potential landing spot could be, if he decides to leave UCLA. 

Nico Iamaleava Hasn’t Discussed His Exit From Tennessee, But Responds To Report About CFB Playoff

In this era of college athletics, one of the interesting storylines is what happens with Aguilar's deal with the Bruins collective. The quarterback could easily just stay with UCLA until the summer, and then head to his next destination, given his academic work. He could also fight for the starting job, and force the UCLA collective to terminate his agreement, and pay him some sort of buyout to leave. 

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - SEPTEMBER 09: Nico Iamaleava #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers stands on the field  following their win over the Austin Peay Governors at Neyland Stadium on September 09, 2023 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

 For Nico Iamaleava, he's obviously not transferring to a program for a competition, given that he was the starter for Tennessee, helping them reach the college football playoff this past season. But, this could also lead to multiple quarterbacks on the UCLA roster entering the transfer portal this week, searching for a new home, along with playing time. 

In reality, DeShaun Foster can tell the other QBs that there will be a legitimate competition, but I don't know how many guys will believe him. Joey Aguilar has earned the trust of his teammates up to this point, along with having a nice spring practice period so far, according to sources. 

This will be an interesting few days for the Bruins, while Tennessee is still searching for a quarterback in the transfer portal. Clearly, the ordeal in Knoxville set-off a ripple effect in college football.