After starting his quarterback career at the Tennessee Volunteers, quarterback Nico Iamaleava moved to the UCLA Bruins in 2025. The 6-foot-5 athlete is known for his strong arm and dual‑threat ability, but there have been problems, too.

This is his second season at the heart of UCLA's offense, and all eyes are looking up to him. However, after his 2025 season, those lofty expectations fell short. From over 2,616 yards to around 1,928 yards last year, Iamaleava's form dipped. Now things are looking even more critical because of the following reasons.

1. Lack of Continuity In Coaching Staff

Iamaleava has not found a stable, constant coach with the Bruins. When he was in Tennessee, he played under Josh Heupel’s system. After transferring to UCLA in 2025, he worked under head coach DeShaun Foster and offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri.

As reported by CBS Sports' Cooper Petagna, if Iamaleava busts this season, one of the reasons will be the lack of continuity in the coaching staff.

Now, in 2026, UCLA hired Bob Chesney from James Madison Dukes, bringing in new offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy. That means Iamaleava has had four offensive play-callers in three years, disrupting his natural growth.

When the same coaches stay in place, the quarterback doesn’t have to keep learning new systems and playbooks, or terminology every year.

2. Inconsistent Results Not Living Up To The Expectations

Iamaleava started as a five-star recruit expected to turn the program on its heels. His breakout performance for Tennessee saw him record over 2,600 yards and 19 touchdowns back in 2024. That ultimately raised his profile and got him the attention.

Then what followed were his struggles with UCLA. That led to the belief that he would never reach the level that was intended for him.

3. Disappointing Last Season With UCLA

The quarterback is going to have a make it or break it year with UCLA this season. He threw for 1,928 yards, 13 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, while the Bruins finished 3–9. In UCLA's debut against Utah, he was sacked four times

The consensus was that he failed to live up to the expectations. However, now he will have to answer those critics with his performance. Bob Chesney, however, believes he is ready for the task at hand.

Bob Chesney believes in Nico Iamaleava’s leadership qualities

For a team to do well, it needs a starting quarterback to perform. That is what Iamaleava is expected to do this season, and Chesney thinks he will do that for them this year.

Speaking to the Big Ten Network, this is what Chesney had to say.

"To be there the whole season, and when the season was done, be with us through the winter and be there with us through the spring, he just continues to elevate his leadership qualities, and obviously, he's a really good football player," said the head coach.

The roster at UCLA isn’t very strong, and the conference competition is tough. With a new coaching staff and higher expectations, 2026 may decide whether he returns to top-quarterback form.

Iamaleava will face major challenges this season against the Oregon Ducks in Week 6, the Michigan Wolverines in Week 12, and the USC Trojans in the week after that.

Do you think that Iamaleava will be a bust in 2026? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Sourav Ganguly

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar