MidValleySports.Com

By Alex A. Gonzalez

One day after Nico Iamaleava announced he was transferring to UCLA, younger brother, quarterback Madden Iamaleava, confirmed he has also landed at UCLA. Madden Iamaleava initially committed to the Bruins but flipped to Arkansas in December.

He then entered the transfer portal Monday morning and announced he was committed to UCLA Monday night. This led to another quarterback change for UCLA as the revolving door continued.

After transferring to UCLA in December, Joey Aguilar re-entered his name into the transfer portal and signed with the Tennessee Volunteers Monday, just one day after Nico Iamaleava announced he was transferring to UCLA. 

Before transferring to UCLA, Aguilar had started 24 games at Appalachian State and threw for 6,750 yards, 56 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions. He was also granted an extra year of eligibility in the winter as a former junior college quarterback due to Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia’s antitrust lawsuit. 

When the rumors swirled about Iamaleava transferring to UCLA, Aguilar had intentions of staying in Westwood and competing for the starting job, a source close to Aguilar said. However, the same source came out on Monday and said that Aguilar had a change of heart. 

With the extra funds available in Tennessee after Imaleava’s departure, Aguilar is expected to make more in Knoxville than he was set to make at UCLA, which was just over $1 million. The Volunteers were in desperate need of a third scholarship quarterback and one with FBS experience. Redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and true freshman George MacIntyre are the other two quarterbacks who would compete with Aguilar for the starting spot. 

Any other moves expected? It’s only April so stay tuned.