UCLA has officially welcomed quarterback Nico Iamaleava into their ranks via the transfer portal, a move that has significantly altered the landscape for fellow quarterback Joey Aguilar. After transferring to UCLA earlier this offseason, Aguilar now finds himself contemplating yet another transfer, as reported on Monday. This unexpected turn of events could culminate in a pivotal meeting for Aguilar later today.
According to ESPN's Chris Low, there is considerable interest from the Tennessee Volunteers in Aguilar as he prepares to officially enter the transfer portal. Low's report highlighted that discussions between the two parties are slated for later today, opening the door for a potential recruitment transition that could see Aguilar donning the orange and white of Tennessee.
This development could create a fascinating scenario for both Tennessee and UCLA. The Volunteers initially anticipated that Iamaleava would step into the role of starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Conversely, the Bruins had brought Aguilar back to the West Coast, expecting him to lead their offense. However, as events unfold, it appears that these two talented quarterbacks may be on a collision course that could see them switch teams across the country, transitioning between the SEC and Big Ten.
While Tennessee is a primary contender for Aguilar's services, he is not without other options. Reports from On3's Pete Nakos indicate that other programs, including Wake Forest and Tulane, are also showing interest in recruiting Aguilar. This would mark Aguilar's second transfer of the offseason, following his initial move to UCLA.
Joey Aguilar has demonstrated substantial prowess on the field during his time at Appalachian State, where he served as the starting quarterback for two seasons. He completed an impressive 60.1% of his passes, accumulating 6,760 yards, averaging 270.4 yards per game. His performance also includes 56 touchdown passes against 24 interceptions, placing him fifth in school history for both passing yards and touchdowns, despite only spending two years with the program.
Upon entering the transfer portal back in December, Aguilar was ranked No. 665 and positioned as the No. 45 quarterback in On3’s Industry Ranking of the top transfer portal players for 2025. After committing to UCLA, he was projected to be the Bruins’ starting quarterback for the 2025 season. However, the arrival of Iamaleava has suddenly shifted the dynamics of UCLA's quarterback situation.
As Aguilar prepares to officially enter the transfer portal later today, his standing as one of the top quarterbacks available has only heightened. This opens up a range of opportunities for him as he navigates the next steps in his collegiate career. The interest from Tennessee, coupled with the potential for a switch with Iamaleava, illustrates the ever-evolving nature of college football's transfer landscape.
Ultimately, the developments surrounding Joey Aguilar and Nico Iamaleava have created a whirlwind of excitement and uncertainty within the college football community, making it a critical time for both players as they look to secure their futures.
