Prominent national media outlet makes prediction for UCLA QB Nico Iamaleava that will have Vols fans feeling some kind of way
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Former Tennessee Vols quarterback Nico Iamaleava is set to return to UCLA in 2026.
Iamaleava, who transferred from Tennessee to UCLA last spring, agreed to a new deal with the Bruins in December before the NCAA transfer portal opened.
The California native will be looking to help the Bruins take a step forward under new head coach Bob Chesney.
The Athletic makes prediction for Nico Iamaleava that will have Vols fans feeling some kind of way
Iamaleava, who led the Volunteers to a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024, came to Tennessee with championship aspirations. He was completely embraced by Vols fans, but the relationship between the former five-star recruit and Tennessee deteriorated last spring, leading to the quarterback’s transfer.
There are quite a few fans who still hold a grudge against Iamaleava. Strangely, some of those fans seem to be rooting against Iamaleava — despite the fact that Iamaleava was just the second Tennessee quarterback since Erik Ainge to beat Alabama and Florida in the season (Hendon Hooker also accomplished the feat in 2022).
Those fans may not love the latest “bold prediction” from The Athletic’s Mitch Light, who boldly predicted that Nico “will make it to New York as a Heisman finalist.”
That would be a tough break for the fans weirdly rooting against the former Vol quarterback.
As for Nico’s chances? Well, there’s no doubt that Iamaleava has the talent to be a Heisman finalist. The biggest thing that could hold him back is the roster around him at UCLA. The Heisman is an individual award, but it certainly helps to be surrounded by elite talent.
I guess we’ll see how it plays out for Iamaleava and the Bruins this fall.
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This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Jan 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the Nashville section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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