"Nico Iamaleava has agreed to return to UCLA for next season, giving the Bruins a top-level quarterback as part of their new coach's bid for a quick turnaround from a 3-9 season under his predecessor and an interim coach. Iamaleava announced his intentions on Instagram, posting a highlight video alongside a caption reading, "NO PLACE LIKE HOME. Back with my brothers. Same vision. Same goals. Same grind. Locked in. Time to work!""
"Remaining a Bruin will also allow the redshirt junior to spend at least one more season on the same team as his brother Madden, who will be a redshirt freshman quarterback after appearing at the end of one game last season. None of UCLA's struggles in 2025 could be blamed on its starting quarterback. Constantly under duress from a pass rush that met little resistance from his offensive line, Iamaleava was his team's leading passer and rusher despite being sacked 27 times."
"Iamaleava accounted for 17 of his team's 24 touchdowns and led the Bruins with 10 plays of 20 yards or more, all coming on the ground. Although he wasn't a prolific passer - his 255 yards through the air as part of a furious comeback against Nevada Las Vegas were a season high - Iamaleava's ability to produce big plays with his arm and his legs presented a huge problem for opposing defenses."
Bob Chesney secured Nico Iamaleava, who agreed to return to UCLA for the next season. Iamaleava announced the decision on Instagram and emphasized commitment to teammates. Staying at UCLA can improve his NFL draft stock and repair reputation after a contentious exit from Tennessee during 2025 spring practice. Remaining a Bruin allows him to play another season alongside his brother Madden. Iamaleava led the team despite heavy pressure, being sacked 27 times, serving as the leading passer and rusher, accounting for 17 of 24 touchdowns and creating multiple long plays.
Read at Los Angeles Times
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]