UCLA · Big TenNico Iamaleava backs Tennessee decision as UCLA captain
The Bruins’ captain must carry his 2025 progress into Bob Chesney’s first season after UCLA went 3-9.
SEP 3, 2026
The Pate State · Editorial IllustrationUCLA’s start under DeShaun Foster
UCLA’s 2025 record
Iamaleava’s passing output
01 · The NewsNico Iamaleava backs Tennessee decision as UCLA captain
On Wednesday, UCLA captain Nico Iamaleava said he would not change his decision to leave Tennessee, turning from the disputed transfer-portal exit to the job of leading the Bruins under new coach Bob Chesney.
Asked whether he would handle the decision differently, Iamaleava said, “I think no, I wouldn't have anything different.”
His new captaincy reflects the trust he earned after a turbulent first season in Westwood. UCLA started 0-4 under DeShaun Foster, fired Foster and replaced him with interim coach Tim Skipper. Iamaleava then started the Bruins’ upset of Penn State before finishing the season with 1,928 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Iamaleava addressed the Tennessee departure in an interview with USA TODAY Sports, saying he let public accounts of the decision circulate rather than answer them at the time. “At that point, the narrative was out there, whatever narratives they made. So I didn't really feel the need to talk, let them run with their stories, and the truth will come out eventually,” Iamaleava told USA TODAY Sports.
His attention is now on the program Chesney took over. Chesney previously led James Madison to its first appearance in the 12-team College Football Playoff, making it the first Sun Belt school to reach the field.
“I want to win games, and everything else will come with that,” Iamaleava said.
02 · The StakesWhat It Means
That progress now has to carry into Chesney’s first season. UCLA finished 3-9 overall and 3-6 in conference play in 2025, leaving Iamaleava at the center of the attempt to produce a winning 2026 season. The Bruins open at California at 10:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 5, and UCLA has not said whether Iamaleava will start.
03 · The Detail Beneath the HeadlineWhat Most People Are Missing
The comparison behind Iamaleava’s answer is between programs on different trajectories: Tennessee went 8-5 in 2025 and opens 2026 ranked No. 20 by the AP and No. 18 by the coaches, while UCLA is trying to climb from 3-9. His captaincy therefore puts more than a transfer decision on trial; it ties his reset to Chesney’s rebuild. The schedule offers a defined runway. After California on Sept. 5, UCLA gets San Diego State and Purdue at home before traveling to Maryland on Sept. 26. The Bruins then travel to Oregon on Oct. 10.
“I want to win games, and everything else will come with that”
Nico Iamaleava04 · The Open QuestionsQuestions to Be Answered
Will Iamaleava start the opener at California?
UCLA has made Iamaleava a captain without naming him the starter. The first depth chart and opening offensive snap on Sept. 5 will show whether that title also settles Chesney’s first quarterback decision. That decision begins a three-game stretch against California, San Diego State and Purdue before the Sept. 26 trip to Maryland.
05 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching
Will Iamaleava start at California?
UCLA has not said whether Iamaleava will start in the opener.
Can his progress translate to winning football?
The tell is whether the quarterback who finished with 1,928 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions can carry that progress into the season.