Nico Iamaleava, the highly touted quarterback who entered the transfer portal following a breakdown in NIL negotiations with Tennessee, has committed to UCLA on a deal reportedly worth around $1.5 million per year. The move marks one of the most high-profile NIL-driven transfers in college football this offseason.

Sources close to the situation indicate that Iamaleava had been earning approximately $2.4 million annually through NIL deals during his time at Tennessee. However, during recent negotiations, he and his representatives sought to raise that number to $4 million per year. Tennessee declined to meet the increased demand, prompting Iamaleava to explore other options.

UCLA’s offer, though significantly lower than what Iamaleava previously earned and well short of his asking price, was enough to bring the California native back home. While the Bruins have historically struggled to match the financial clout of SEC powerhouses like Tennessee, they managed to put together a package in the $1.5 million range—one of the largest NIL deals in program history.

The Bruins’ limited NIL resources made it unlikely they could enter a bidding war, especially given ongoing financial constraints across the athletic department. Nevertheless, Iamaleava’s decision suggests factors beyond money influenced his move, including the opportunity to start in a major media market, proximity to family, and a fresh start under UCLA’s new coaching staff.

Iamaleava was the No. 2 overall recruit in the 2023 class and widely considered the future of the Volunteers’ program. His departure is a blow to Tennessee, which invested heavily in his development and had hoped he would solidify the quarterback position for years to come.

His arrival in Westwood, meanwhile, gives the Bruins a major boost as they prepare for their first season in the Big Ten. UCLA’s offense struggled with consistency in 2024, and Iamaleava’s dual-threat ability and arm talent provide a potential solution at the most important position.

While UCLA could not match the financial terms Iamaleava originally pursued, they’ve secured a blue-chip talent under a deal that still places him among the highest-paid athletes in their program. The transfer underscores the evolving dynamics of college football, where NIL money, program fit, and geographic preference are all part of the recruiting equation.

Iamaleava is expected to be immediately eligible for the 2025 season.