© Brianna Paciorka / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images / © Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Nico Iamaleava became an official member of the UCLA football team this week. The transfer signal caller signed with the program following a dramatic exit from Tennessee.
The Bruins introduced their new passer via social media outlets on Monday morning. They raised some questions while offending a portion of the fanbase.
Iamaleava left the Vols after his sophomore season. He led the team to the College Football Playoff, which he’d hoped would result in a pay bump ahead of his junior year.
The QB was making $2 million in Knoxville. He reportedly wanted $4 million. Tennessee said, “No.” He hit the transfer portal.
Nico Iamaleava took a pay cut to sign with UCLA. He and his family began making the move to the West Coast over the weekend as he made his final digs at Vol Nation.
The passer was officially introduced on Monday with his new school, putting an end to the transfer saga. The Bruins quickly gave the fanbase a first look at their new QB1.
UCLA put Nico Iamaleava in a retired jersey.
Iamaleava donned No. 8 at Tennessee. It’s a number he’s worn dating back to his high school playing days in California. He cannot wear the number with his new team barring a change.
UCLA retired No. 8 in honor of Troy Aikman in 2014. No one’s worn it since. UCLA’s social media team either glossed over that fact when posting their first graphic of Iamaleava in blue and gold, or it knows something the public doesn’t.
View this post on Instagram
“Why is he wearing No. 8?” asked one follower. “They do know this number is off limits, right?” inquired another.
Unless Troy Aikman signs off, Nico Iamaleava will not wear No. 8 at UCLA. A significant portion of the fanbase won’t be happy if that becomes a reality. It’s not the only headache their new quarterback has provided.
Projected starter Joey Aguilar hit the transfer portal after Iamaleava’s arrival. He’d only been on campus for four months but had already agreed to an NIL deal with the school. UCLA might have to pay him to never play a down after breaking contract.
Nico Iamaleava will have a little less competition in the QB room. He’ll be the frontrunner to start the season opener against Utah. We’ll see what number he’s wearing when he takes the first snap.