ESPN sends Nico Iamaleava a message on whether he should declare for the 2026 NFL Draft
Back in July, at Big 10 Media Days, UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava told reporters that he hopes to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft after the 2025 season. “This is a year where I’m really trying to get out after,” said Iamaleava. “So, I’m gonna give my all to UCLA. And if I have […]
Back in July, at Big 10 Media Days, UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava told reporters that he hopes to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft after the 2025 season.
“This is a year where I’m really trying to get out after,” said Iamaleava. “So, I’m gonna give my all to UCLA. And if I have the year I want, I want to get out.”
Iamaleava, who spent the first two seasons of his career with the Tennessee Vols, had a tough start to the 2025 season. The Bruins began the year with four straight losses, putting a hold on the draft conversation surrounding Iamaleava.
A strong performance from Iamaleava this past weekend in UCLA’s upset win over the Penn State Nittany Lions, however, has the former Tennessee quarterback back on the 2026 NFL Draft radar.
ESPN analyst gives Nico Iamaleava some NFL Draft advice
Iamaleava passed for 166 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 128 yards and three touchdowns in the 42-37 win over Penn State.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid noted on Sunday that Iamaleava made multiple “impressive throws” against Penn State’s “stingy” defense. Reid, though, thinks Iamaleava is currently in the day three conversation in regards to the 2026 NFL Draft.
Reid also said it makes sense for Iamaleava to wait until 2027 or 2028 to declare for the draft.
“At 6-foot-6 and 215 pounds, Iamaleava has dual-threat traits and a big arm, but he needs time,” wrote Reid. “He’s still just a redshirt sophomore. He has 19 career starts, and he is still inconsistent with accuracy and decision-making. I don’t expect Iamaleava to declare for the 2026 draft. I’d put him in the Day 3 conversation right now for next year, but it makes sense for him to keep developing before entering the 2027 or even 2028 class.”
Iamaleava still has a lot of football left to play this season. And while I generally agree that staying in college for least another year would be a good idea for the former five-star recruit (to continue to develop), I could see a scenario where Iamaleava has a terrific second half and declares for the 2026 NFL Draft.
We’ll see how the rest of the reason goes for Iamaleava, but it’s clear his draft stock is trending up after his big game against Penn State.
Tennessee Volunteers News
Former Tennessee Vols QB Hendon Hooker reacts to Nico Iamaleava leading UCLA to an upset win over Penn State
Former Tennessee Vols quarterback Nico Iamaleava earned his first win as the UCLA Bruins’ starting quarterback this week. Iamaleava led UCLA to a 42-37 upset win over the Penn State Nittany Lions on Saturday in Pasadena. Former Vols QB Hendon Hooker reacts to Nico Iamaleava leading UCLA to an upset win over Penn State Former […]
