The former Tennessee football quarterback fell to 0-3 as UCLA lost to New Mexico 35-10 on Sept. 12 at the Rose Bowl. It was the Lobos’ first win against a power-conference team since 2008, according to the Big Ten Network broadcast.
Iamaleava was 22-for-34 passing for 217 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He threw the interception in the fourth quarter — the second straight game he has done so. He rushed six times for 33 yards.
UCLA paid New Mexico $1.2 million for the game.
Nico Iamaleava UCLA stats in 2025
Iamaleava was 40-for-63 passing for 391 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in the first two games.
He had a lousy first start with UCLA in a 43-10 loss to Utah. He was 11-for-22 passing for 136 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He rushed 13 times for 47 yards.
The sophomore played better in a 30-23 loss to UNLV. He was 29-for-41 passing for 255 yards with a touchdown and an interception, which came in the fourth quarter and ended UCLA’s comeback chances. He also rushed for 59 yards on 11 attempts, including a 30-yard rushing touchdown.
Nico Iamaleava spent two seasons with Tennessee football before exit
Iamaleava played 18 games with 14 starts in two seasons at Tennessee, including starting all 13 games during Tennessee’s College Football Playoff run in 2024.
The QB threw for 2,616 yards with 19 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2024, but was less efficient in SEC play. He threw nine touchdowns in eight SEC games but four of those were against Vanderbilt in the regular-season finale.
In his UT career, Iamaleava completed 241 of 379 passes for 2,930 yards with 21 touchdowns and five interceptions. He redshirted in 2023 behind starter Joe Milton.
Why did Nico Iamaleava and Tennessee football split?
Vols coach Josh Heupel informed the Vols that Iamaleava was no longer a member of the Tennessee football team prior to the April 12 spring game, ending the relationship between UT and the QB amid an apparent NIL dispute.
Iamaleava skipped Tennessee’s final spring practice on April 11, the morning after On3’s Pete Nakos reported ongoing negotiations between Iamaleava and Tennessee. His NIL deal reportedly paid him more than $2 million per year. ESPN’s Chris Low, citing sources, reported that Iamaleava’s representatives wanted his NIL pay increased to $4 million per year. The family used the possibility of him entering the portal as leverage.
The former five-star prospect entered the portal on April 16 then transferred to UCLA.
Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on X @ByMikeWilson. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.