‘I met his dad and uncle’ – Former Pro Bowl QB reveals what he really learned about Nico Iamaleava
Former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava is entering his second season with the UCLA Bruins.
UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava, the former Tennessee signal-caller who had a controversial exit from Rocky Top in 2025, has a new mentor in Los Angeles.
Earlier this week, former NFL quarterback Derek Carr, a four-time Pro Bowler, was hired by UCLA as a “special adviser” who will specifically work with quarterbacks.
“We are excited to welcome Derek to our program,” said UCLA head coach Bob Chesney. “He has played the quarterback position at a high level for more than a decade, and his experience, leadership and football knowledge will be an incredible resource for our coaching staff and student-athletes. What stands out most is his passion for the game and his commitment to developing young people. Derek will have a tremendous impact on our players and is a great addition to our program.”
On Tuesday, Carr shared his first impression of Iamaleava and the Iamaleava family.
“He is the most humble, he is 100 percent coachable,” said Carr. “He is the greatest kid. I met his dad, his uncle — his brother (Madden) is on the team there, who’s also another baller. They are great people.
“He’s open to learning. He’ll text me questions. And I told him, ‘Look, man, I’m here just as a resource to help. I’m not here to overstep a coach. I’m not over here to overstep your quarterback coach.’ And they know that. I’m just here as an old veteran — just pretend I’m an old veteran in the room. And if you want to ask me a question, I’m here for you.”
Carr added that he was impressed by Iamaleava’s athleticism and arm strength.
Iamaleava seems to be finding his groove at UCLA after a tough 2025 season. Regardless of how things went down with his exit from Tennessee, he’s still got his entire football career ahead of him. And I’m glad to see that things are working out for him.
