UCLA Head Coach Speaks on Nico Iamaleava Commitment, Departure of Joey Aguilar: “The Program Comes First”………………
By [Your Name], April 22, 2025
LOS ANGELES — The quarterback carousel at UCLA took another dramatic turn this week, and Head Coach DeShaun Foster isn’t shying away from the spotlight. Just days after five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava committed to the Bruins, former starter Joey Aguilar officially announced his transfer to Tennessee. In a Monday press conference, Foster addressed the shake-up with a clear message: “The program comes first.”
“We’re in an era of fast moves, big numbers, and major decisions,” Foster said. “That’s just the reality of college football today. I respect both of these young men and the choices they’ve made, but our focus is on moving forward with the guys who are here.”
A Star Joins the Bruins
Iamaleava, the prized California quarterback who began his collegiate career at Tennessee, entered the transfer portal after tensions flared with the Volunteers over his NIL deal. After reportedly seeking a bump from $2.4 million to $4 million annually in endorsement compensation, the relationship between Iamaleava and the Tennessee program soured. He sat out of team meetings and practices for several days before officially entering the transfer portal.
Now, the former No. 2 overall recruit in the class of 2023 is headed home to Southern California, where he’ll don the blue and gold of UCLA—a program in need of a reboot under first-year head coach Foster.
“He’s an elite talent,” Foster said. “What stands out about Nico isn’t just the arm, the athleticism, or the pedigree—it’s how badly he wants to win. We had a real conversation. He knows what this opportunity means.”
Iamaleava will likely take over as QB1 heading into UCLA’s first season in the Big Ten, a transition year that carries high expectations despite last season’s 5-7 finish.
The Exit of a Leader
But while Iamaleava arrives, Aguilar departs. The former Appalachian State star, who transferred to UCLA just this past offseason, is now bound for Knoxville in what some are calling an “unofficial quarterback swap.” Aguilar reportedly finalized his move to Tennessee within hours of Iamaleava’s commitment to UCLA.
The 6-foot-3 senior had been projected as the Bruins’ starter, especially after solid performances during spring practices. His sudden exit raised eyebrows, but Foster stood behind the decision.
“Joey gave everything he had to this program while he was here,” Foster said. “He saw a situation that changed quickly, and I understand his need to find the right fit. We’re rooting for him.”
Sources indicate Aguilar will receive NIL compensation near $1.2 million in Knoxville—roughly what he was set to earn at UCLA. For Tennessee, it’s a quick fix to stabilize their quarterback room post-Iamaleava.
“No One Is Bigger Than the Program”
Foster, hired just months ago following Chip Kelly’s departure, has preached stability, toughness, and culture since taking over. And in his first real roster crisis, he didn’t flinch.
“It’s emotional. Of course, you’d love to keep every talented player. But I told the team this: no one is bigger than the program. Not me, not the quarterback, not anyone. We’re going to compete, we’re going to develop guys, and we’re going to build something lasting.”
While Foster refused to discuss the specifics of Iamaleava’s NIL agreement with UCLA, he did note that the quarterback’s decision was “football-first.”
“He had options,” Foster said. “Big ones. But he wants to be here. He wants to lead this team.”
The Road Ahead
With Iamaleava now the presumed starter, UCLA enters a pivotal phase of spring preparation. The Bruins will be adjusting not just to a new quarterback, but a new conference and identity. The Big Ten brings tougher road trips, unfamiliar opponents, and a more physical style of play.
Foster, however, remains optimistic.
“You want challenges. That’s why you play. And with someone like Nico under center—he’s not scared of any stage. He’s played in packed stadiums. He’s played under pressure. And now he gets to lead a team in his home state.”
Still, Foster knows that managing egos and expectations is part of the modern game. NIL deals, transfer portal moves, and fan scrutiny can shake a locker room.
“Our culture has to be stronger than anything else,” he said. “Talent helps, but culture wins.”
Final Word
The twin moves of Iamaleava’s arrival and Aguilar’s departure have reshaped UCLA’s quarterback picture—and maybe even its entire 2025 season outlook. For Foster, it’s just another step in what he hopes will be a successful rebuilding process.
“This isn’t a setback. It’s a pivot,” he said. “And sometimes the pivot is what gets you to the next level.”
Leave a Reply