NEW: Nico Iamaleava’s arrival pushed Joey Aguilar out at UCLA; Could he land at Tennessee?
Nico Iamaleava’s high-profile transfer to UCLA has significantly impacted the Bruins’ quarterback dynamics, particularly affecting Joey Aguilar’s position within the team. Iamaleava, a former five-star recruit, left Tennessee following a dispute over his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal, seeking a better opportunity at UCLA .Reuters+1Reuters+1
Aguilar, who transferred to UCLA from Appalachian State, brought with him impressive credentials, including over 6,700 passing yards and 56 touchdowns over two seasons . His decision to join UCLA was influenced by the opportunity to play closer to home and under the guidance of coaches he respected .Reuters+3ucla.rivals.com+3Los Angeles Times+3ESPN.com
However, Iamaleava’s arrival has shifted the quarterback hierarchy at UCLA. Given Iamaleava’s status and expectations, he is presumed to be the Bruins’ starting quarterback for the 2025 season . This development has raised questions about Aguilar’s future with the team.Reuters
Considering Aguilar’s California roots and his desire to play closer to home, his initial move to UCLA made sense . However, with the current situation, Aguilar might explore other opportunities where he can secure a starting position.While a return to Tennessee seems unlikely given Iamaleava’s departure from there, Aguilar’s experience and performance make him a valuable asset for programs seeking a seasoned quarterback.ESPN.com
The situation underscores the volatile nature of college football’s transfer landscape, where player movements can rapidly alter team dynamics and individual career trajectories.
