UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava introduced that he’ll return to the Bruins in 2026, selecting continuity after a turbulent first season in Westwood and giving this system a cornerstone piece because it enters a brand new period underneath head coach Bob Chesney.
Iamaleava indicated throughout Massive Ten media days in the summertime that he hoped his keep at UCLA can be temporary, saying, “If I’ve the 12 months I would like, I need to get out” and declare for the NFL Draft. After ending the 2025 season with 1,928 passing yards and 13 touchdowns as UCLA went 3-9 via a 12 months marked by upheaval — together with the firing of head coach DeShaun Foster following a 0-4 begin and a midseason shift to interim coach Tim Skipper — the redshirt sophomore elected for one more go round with the Bruins.
By means of his lone season because the Bruins’ starter, Iamaleava confirmed flashes of the bodily toolkit that made him one of the vital scrutinized younger quarterbacks within the nation — and one of the vital coveted prospects within the portal — along with his dimension, arm energy and talent to increase performs. These traits surfaced regardless of an offense and program that by no means absolutely stabilized.
Iamaleava’s passing numbers have been pedestrian, however he was essential to UCLA’s floor recreation. The 6-foot-6 quarterback rushed for 505 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and scoring a team-high 4 dashing touchdowns. His mobility proved pivotal in UCLA’s upset of then-No. 7 Penn State, when Iamaleava ran for a season-high 128 yards and accounted for 3 of his 4 dashing scores.
Iamaleava additionally earned a status for toughness all through the season. He was helped off the sector late towards Maryland on the Rose Bowl after showing to endure a lower-body harm, however nonetheless guided UCLA via the closing drives that arrange the Bruins’ profitable subject aim. Later within the 12 months, he absorbed a collection of heavy hits towards Nebraska earlier than concussion signs surfaced, forcing him to overlook the Ohio State recreation.
Iamaleava transferred to UCLA from Tennessee forward of the 2025 season in a transfer that stole the offseason information cycle. Earlier than arriving in Knoxville, he had already change into a landmark determine of the NIL period, signing a historic $8 million deal, as The Athletic beforehand reported. Had he remained as Tennessee via 2025, Iamaleava was set to earn north of $2 million via this system’s NIL collective, although experiences surfaced that his household sought a elevate and extra offensive line help.
After Iamaleava skipped apply forward of the Volunteers’ spring recreation, coach Josh Heupel introduced this system was parting methods with the quarterback, which led to him getting into the portal on April 16 with a do-not-contact tag.
For UCLA, Iamaleava’s determination to return offers readability at a very powerful place on the roster at a second of transition. The varsity introduced Chesney as its subsequent head coach on Dec. 6, and holding an skilled starter in place provides a basis as Chesney assembles his workers and installs his system.
The timing can also be important. The NCAA’s switch portal window runs for 2 weeks beginning Jan. 2, compressing offseason roster choices throughout the game. By holding Iamaleava within the fold, UCLA avoids the urgency of discovering a signal-caller substitute in the marketplace and may as an alternative deal with constructing across the former five-star recruit.
