### UCLA's Nico Iamaleava Opts for Another Season, Ignoring NFL Draft UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava has made headlines by deciding to return for the 2026 season instead of entering the NFL draft. This decision comes after a season where he showcased his skills, throwing for 1,928 yards and 13 touchdowns while also leading the Bruins in rushing with 505 yards. Iamaleava, a 6-foot-6, 215-pound talent from Long Beach, previously played two seasons at Tennessee, where he accumulated 2,619 passing yards and 19 touchdowns in 2024. His return is seen as a significant boost for the Bruins, especially under new head coach Bob Chesney, who aims to revitalize the program after a challenging year [https://apnews.com/article/ucla-football-nico-iamaleava-135beb91628fe82df0f5020d9195f919][https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nico-iamaleava-staying-ucla-2026-012334625.html][https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/bigten/2025/12/22/nico-iamaleava-ucla-return-qb-2026/87889543007]. ### Breakdown of Iamaleava's Decision and Its Implications 1. **Decision to Stay**: Iamaleava announced his decision to remain with UCLA for the 2026 season via social media, emphasizing his commitment to the program [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nico-iamaleava-staying-ucla-2026-012334625.html]. 2. **Performance Overview**: In the 2025 season, Iamaleava threw for 1,928 yards, completed 64% of his passes, and was the leading rusher for the Bruins, indicating his dual-threat capability [https://apnews.com/article/ucla-football-nico-iamaleava-135beb91628fe82df0f5020d9195f919]. 3. **Coaching Changes**: His return coincides with the hiring of new head coach Bob Chesney, who is looking to turn around the program after a difficult season [https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/bigten/2025/12/22/nico-iamaleava-ucla-return-qb-2026/87889543007]. 4. **NIL and Transfer Portal Dynamics**: Iamaleava's decision reflects the evolving landscape of college football, where players are increasingly making decisions based on NIL deals and the transfer portal, akin to a free agency model [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/ucla_qb_nico_iamaleava_makes_transfer_portal_decision_for_2026/s1_13132_43239378]. ### Supporting Evidence of Iamaleava's Impact - **2025 Season Stats**: - Passing Yards: **1,928** - Touchdowns: **13** - Interceptions: **7** - Completion Rate: **64%** - Rushing Yards: **505** - Rushing Touchdowns: **4** [https://apnews.com/article/ucla-football-nico-iamaleava-135beb91628fe82df0f5020d9195f919][https://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/story/2025-12-22/nico-iamaleava-ucla-quarterback-to-return-2026]. - **Coaching Context**: Bob Chesney's appointment as head coach is aimed at revitalizing the Bruins, making Iamaleava's return crucial for the team's future [https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/47394260/nico-iamaleava-staying-ucla-new-coach-bob-chesney]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Move for Iamaleava and UCLA In summary, **Nico Iamaleava's decision to return to UCLA for the 2026 season is a strategic move that benefits both the player and the program**. His impressive performance in the previous season, combined with the new coaching direction under Bob Chesney, positions the Bruins for potential success. 1. **Iamaleava's Stats**: His dual-threat capabilities make him a valuable asset for the Bruins. 2. **Coaching Changes**: The new leadership aims to improve the team's performance. 3. **NIL Influence**: The evolving landscape of college football is influencing player decisions significantly. This combination of factors suggests a promising outlook for UCLA football as they prepare for the upcoming season with Iamaleava at the helm [https://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/story/2025-12-22/nico-iamaleava-ucla-quarterback-to-return-2026][https://www.yourvalley.net/stories/ucla-quarterback-nico-iamaleava-returning-after-stellar-2025-season,646488].