In a surprising offseason shake-up, UCLA and Tennessee have effectively executed a rare quarterback swap that has sent shockwaves through the college football world. Joey Aguilar, who had recently transferred to UCLA from Appalachian State, is now headed to Tennessee, while former Volunteers starter Nico Iamaleava has made the reverse move, joining the Bruins after a brief standoff over his NIL deal.
In a surprising offseason shake-up, UCLA and Tennessee have effectively executed a rare quarterback swap that has sent shockwaves through the college football world. Joey Aguilar, who had recently transferred to UCLA from Appalachian State, is now headed to Tennessee, while former Volunteers starter Nico Iamaleava has made the reverse move, joining the … Read full epic news details below….
Joey Aguilar’s journey has taken another twist, marking his third program in under a year. Originally a standout at Diablo Valley College, Aguilar made his name at Appalachian State, where he posted impressive numbers over two seasons. In 25 games, he threw for 6,760 yards, 56 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions, completing just over 60 percent of his passes. His strong arm and ability to stretch the field made him an attractive option for UCLA, which landed him in the transfer portal earlier this year.
Aguilar seemed to be locked in as UCLA’s starting quarterback for the upcoming 2025 season. He had taken the bulk of first-team reps in spring practices and appeared poised to lead a Bruins squad looking to bounce back in the Big Ten. However, things changed dramatically when Nico Iamaleava, who started for Tennessee last season, abruptly entered the transfer portal after reportedly missing team activities amid a dispute over his NIL compensation.
According to multiple reports, Iamaleava and his representatives were seeking a substantial increase in his NIL deal—from $2.4 million to $4 million annually—just days before Tennessee’s spring game. When those demands weren’t met, Iamaleava chose to leave, eventually landing at UCLA. Interestingly, his reported NIL deal at UCLA will actually pay him less than what he was making at Tennessee, suggesting that playing closer to home and being reunited with family may have factored into the decision.
Iamaleava, a highly touted recruit coming out of high school, had a solid 2024 campaign with the Volunteers. He threw for 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns, helping Tennessee to a 10-3 record and a berth in the College Football Playoff. Despite his on-field success, his departure reportedly didn’t come as a complete shock to Tennessee’s coaching staff, who had grown frustrated with his lack of participation in team activities.
Head coach Josh Heupel wasted no time in finding Iamaleava’s replacement. Aguilar entered the portal early Monday and quickly committed to the Volunteers later that day. ESPN reported that Tennessee will honor the remainder of Aguilar’s original NIL deal with UCLA, paying him close to $1.2 million. The move gives the Volunteers an experienced and proven leader under center heading into the fall, albeit one who will need to quickly adapt to the SEC’s demanding level of competition.
Meanwhile, UCLA may have lost a strong quarterback in Aguilar, but they gained a big-name replacement in Iamaleava—and he’s not coming alone. His younger brother, Madden Iamaleava, a top quarterback prospect from Long Beach, is also transferring to UCLA from Arkansas. Madden had originally committed to UCLA before flipping to Arkansas, but his brother’s transfer appears to have brought him back into the fold.
This unusual exchange of quarterbacks underscores the increasingly transactional nature of college football in the NIL era. With millions of dollars on the line and the transfer portal offering unprecedented mobility, top players now have leverage once reserved for professionals. For both UCLA and Tennessee, this quarterback swap could have major implications heading into the 2025 season. Whether the bold moves pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: college football has entered a new era where loyalty is fleeting, and the next big opportunity is just a portal entry away.
