QB Deep Dive: Did Nico Iamaleava start to show glimpses despite an abysmal situation?

A former 5-star recruit, Can Nico Iamaleava reclaim his status as a potential top pick in the NFL Draft?

Last summer, quarterback and former five-star recruit Nico Iamaleava had hype as a first round pick in the NFL Draft. Then the Tennessee fallout happened after a disappointing first year starting with the Volunteers.

He entered the 2025 season with virtually no NFL Draft hype after transferring to UCLA, and after a tumultuous year for the program, resulting in the firing of their head coach, Iamaleava once again finds himself in a new position. This may be his best position yet, as Bob Chesney now takes over after wild success at James Madison.

However, the tape that Iamaleava put out is still the only tape we have to go off of at this point. I’ve watched it, charted every dropback, and written up a full scouting report.

So, where does the former five-star recruit stand now, entering his second season with the Bruins and in his first season under Chesney?

Table of Contents

• Measurements, Statistics, and Awards

• Injury History

• Weighted On-Target Percentage Profile

• Strengths

• Weaknesses

• Final NFL Draft Thoughts

Nico Iamaleava’s Measurements, Career Statistics, and Awards

Measurements (verified)

Height: 6044

Weight: 210 pounds

Career Statistics at Tennessee and UCLA

2023 (at Tennessee): 28-of-45 passing, 62.2% completion percentage, 314 yards passing, 2 passing touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 20 carries, 71 yards rushing, 3 rushing touchdowns

2024 (at Tennessee): 213-of-334 passing, 63.8% completion percentage, 2,616 yards passing. 19 passing touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 109 carries, 358 yards rushing, 3 rushing touchdowns

2025: 208-of-323 passing, 64.4% completion percentage, 1,928 yards passing, 13 passing touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 112 carries, 505 yards rushing, 4 rushing touchdowns

Awards

Iamaleava has not received any major awards at the college level to this point in his career at both Tennessee and UCLA.

Injury History

In November of 2025, Iamaleava suffered two different injuries. He was forced out of the game against Nebraska with a concussion and missed UCLA’s following game against Ohio State. He then took another big hit against Washington once he returned from his concussion and was diagnosed with neck spasms.