US EditionUCLA Quarterback Nico Iamaleava Returning After Stellar 2025 Season
Nico Iamaleava will return to UCLA for the 2026 season to develop under new coach Bob Chesney and remain with his brother, despite not being a top-10 NFL draft quarterback.
- In an Instagram post Monday, Nico Iamaleava confirmed he is staying with UCLA and is forgoing the 2026 NFL draft.
- With two years of eligibility, Iamaleava aims to boost his NFL draft stock by staying another season and developing under Bob Chesney, incoming UCLA head coach, while remaining close to family in Long Beach with brother Madden Iamaleava.
- Statistically, Iamaleava completed 64.4% of his passes for 1,928 yards, 13 touchdowns, and seven interceptions across 11 games and rushed for 505 yards with four touchdowns despite 27 sacks.
- Giving Chesney a ready starter, Iamaleava provides continuity as UCLA Bruins football team seeks a turnaround after a 3-9 season.
- Amid heavy transfer and draft speculation, Iamaleava ended those discussions by committing before the transfer portal opened on Jan. 2, despite widespread interest from 2026 suitors.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Pasadena Star News
QB Iamaleava will return for another season at UCLA
LOS ANGELES — Bob Chesney has his quarterback — and it’s time for round two of the Bruins’ star signal caller. UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava announced Monday afternoon on Instagram that he’s returning to Westwood for a second season with the Bruins, a spark for newly introduced coach Bob Chesney’s early roster construction efforts. “No place like home,” Iamaleava wrote. “Same vision. Same goals. Same grind. Locked in. Time to work!” Iamaleava,…
Heck no, Nico Iamaleava won’t go. UCLA’s quarterback is set to return in 2026
Bob Chesney didn’t have to go far to secure his most important player. He was already on campus. Nico Iamaleava has agreed to return to UCLA for next season, giving the Bruins a top-level quarterback as part of their new coach’s bid for a quick turnaround from a 3-9 season under his predecessor and an interim coach. The possible benefits go beyond improving Iamaleava’s NFL draft stock with a strong season. Another important plus could be the rep…
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