Why UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava set to return to Bruins in 2026
Bob Chesney didn’t have to go far to recruit his most important player.
He was already on campus.
Nico Iamaleava has agreed to return to UCLA for next season, giving the Bruins a top-tier quarterback as part of their new coach’s attempt to quickly turn things around after a 3-9 season under his predecessor and an interim coach.
Iamaleava announced his intentions on Instagram, posting a highlight video alongside a caption: “NO PLACE LIKE HOME. Back with my brothers. Same vision. Same goals. Same work. Locked down. Time to work!”
The possible benefits go beyond improving Iamaleava’s NFL draft stock with a good season. Another big benefit could be the reputation boost associated with staying put after Iamaleava left Tennessee during 2025 spring training amid an emotionally charged argument with the Volunteers that drew widespread criticism.
Staying 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 late in a game last season.
None of UCLA’s struggles in 2025 can be blamed on its starting quarterback. Constantly under the duress of a pass rush that met little resistance from his offensive line, Iamaleava was his team’s best 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 on the ground. Although he wasn’t a prolific passer — his 255 yards through the air in a furious comeback against Nevada Las Vegas was a season high — Iamaleava’s ability to produce big plays with his arms and legs presented a huge problem for opposing defenses.
Iamaleava’s passing accuracy saw a slight improvement from his final season at Tennessee, where he helped the Volunteers reach the College Football Playoff. In his first season as a Bruin after returning home in part to be closer to family in Long Beach, Iamaleava completed 64.4 percent of his passes for 1,928 yards and 13 touchdowns with seven interceptions.
Whether he was coming out of the pocket or sprinting on runs designed by the quarterback, Iamaleava might have been the hardest to stop when he planted his feet and took off. He led the team with 505 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 112 carries, including 128 yards and three touchdowns in a win over then-No. 7 Penn State.
Equally important was the leadership of a player who relentlessly met with the media after defeats and challenged others. Midway through the team’s 0-4 start, Iamaleava told his teammates they could leave if they didn’t want to stay and help spark a turnaround. Nobody did, and the team won its next three games.
Now, Iamaleava is staying put, giving his coach a huge building block in his efforts to forge a solid foundation.
