Nico Iamaleava’s presence at UCLA is driving recruits to take pay cuts to join him.
Nico Iamaleava Effect Fuels Surge of Recruits Willing to Sacrifice for UCLA originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Nico Iamaleava's transfer from the Tennessee Volunteers to UCLA Bruins didn't just give the Bruins a much-needed quarterback; it also provided a significant boost to the program. The 20-year-old signal-caller's arrival fundamentally shifted UCLA's recruiting momentum and even the financial dynamics of how players are committing to Westwood.
Since Iamaleava's commitment in April, UCLA has added 14 transfers and secured commitments from four four-star offensive linemen. But the most eye-catching trend isn’t just who they’re getting, it’s what those players are giving up to join Iamaleava.
According to Bruins GM Khary Darlington, prospects are taking reduced NIL payouts just to play alongside the former five-star quarterback.
“There was so much interest in playing with Nico,” Darlington told The Athletic. “The discounts started happening. Like if their price-point was at 6, and we were at $400,000, they were willing to do it.”
That statement reflects how much weight Iamaleava’s presence carries. His track record at Tennessee, including a 10-3 season and College Football Playoff appearance, speaks for itself. But it’s his decision to return home, prioritizing family and familiarity over maximum NIL value, that has made UCLA a suddenly desirable destination.
Nico Iamaleava’s arrival at UCLA sparked a flurry of commitments. They’ve added 14 transfers plus 4 four-star linemen. UCLA’s GM told @TheAthletic there’s been so much interest in playing w/ Nico, “the discounts started happening. Like if their price-point was at 6, and we were…
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) July 25, 2025
Darlington and assistant GM Steven Price admitted they ran 11 financial scenarios to try to fit Iamaleava into their modest NIL structure without compromising the roster. UCLA’s estimated $8 million-$10 million NIL budget ranks in the lower half of the Power 4, but Iamaleava’s influence seems to be closing the gap on talent acquisition.
It’s also a cultural shift. UCLA hadn’t signed more than three four-star recruits total in the last two years. Now, with Iamaleava in the building, the Bruins' class sits at No. 21 nationally, per 247Sports.
DeShaun Foster, a Bruins alumnus entering his second year as head coach, credited Iamaleava’s leadership and the chemistry he brings to a locker room full of players he has known since his youth days in Southern California. And with other players following his lead financially, the Bruins might be closer to relevance than anyone expected.
“I want to bring championships back to Westwood,” Iamaleava said. His teammates and prospective enrollees clearly believe he can.
Related: Nico Iamaleava Reportedly Commits to Major Big Ten Program After NIL Drama
Related: Nick Saban Makes Hilarious Miss Terry Admission While Addressing Comeback Rumors
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
