Fox Sports analyst mocks UCLA's Nico Iamaleava over Tennessee money decision as harsh reality hits

For the Tennessee Volunteers, life after Nico Iamaleava is going splendidly. They’re 2-0 with a chance to grab a huge win over Georgia on Saturday. Meanwhile, in California, things aren’t going nearly as well for Iamaleava and the UCLA Bruins. It seems like every week, the Bruins are getting blasted—for one reason or another—with all eyes on Iamaleava.

“If Nico's dad wasn't happy with the o-line play and wide receivers at Tennessee - I CANNOT wait to hear what he's gonna have to say about tonight,” Fox Sports’ Aaron Torres posted.

After a Week 2 loss to UNLV, Iamaleava faced even more criticism, which is quickly becoming routine. All of this comes after his abrupt departure from Tennessee. Last week, in particular, was rough for the former Vol.

“Nico throws a final drive interception and UCLA is upset by UNLV. The 0-2 Bruins will struggle to make a bowl game. Meanwhile Joey Aguilar is 2-0 and will start in front of over 100,000 Vol fans against Georgia next week. Just an all time disaster decision by Nico,” analyst Clay Travis said.

Much of the scrutiny stems from Iamaleava reportedly asking for a $4 million deal when he was already making $2 million, according to ESPN’s Chris Low.

“Right before the winter portal closed, Iamaleava’s reps wanted to see his deal upped to $4 million range and again this time as the spring portal opens Wednesday, and according to sources, Tennessee officials said they ‘weren’t going to blink.’”

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After UCLA’s third loss on Friday night, Torres took another jab:

“The good news for Nico Iamaleava is that yeah, he may be losing a ton at UCLA, but at least hes making way less money doing it,” Torres wrote.

This was yet another shot at Iamaleava, criticizing what many see as a misstep in leaving Tennessee. His NIL deal at UCLA is reportedly nearly half of what he could have made in Knoxville. While Tennessee now has Joey Aguilar—who seems focused on football, not finances—UCLA is left dealing with the fallout of what appears to be a money-driven decision.