Aug 30, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) throws against the Utah Utes during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Why Nico Iamaleava's Underwhelming Debut Could Stun UCLA Recruiting

Originally posted on UCLA Bruins on SI | By Caleb Sisk | Last updated Sep 1, 2025 9:00 AM ET

The UCLA Bruins are one of the better teams in the country when it comes to a plethora of different things; however, one thing that is worth noting as the fact that they didn't play exactly how they wanted to and their season opener that took place on Saturday.

After a long day of many college football games that were worth watching, the UCLA Bruins took the field for the first time this season at 11 PM EDT. They started their season off against the Utah Utes, which is one of the intriguing programs, as they have a lot of new guys playing, and especially some of the more notable guys, even at the quarterback position, as they have a new starter who is definitely worth mentioning after a solid performance against the Bruins on Saturday night.

In fact, he played better than many anticipated him to play as he finished the game with a total of three touchdowns with two coming from the air and one coming on the ground, which did nothing but stunned the UCLA defense, however the eyes were all on the UCLA offense as the biggest off-season story about Nico Iamaleava transferring away from the Tennessee volunteers finally came true and he was able to play his first game as a UCLA Bruin.

Why Nico Iamaleava's Underwhelming Debut Could Stun UCLA Recruiting

He shown some flashes early on, even though he didn't have as much help as you would like on the offensive line however, he did fail to meet the expectations in his very first game of the season, which is worth noting after a long off-season of many high hopes of him doing big things to begin the season with the UCLA Bruins and possibly even winning the football game with them.

One thing we have talked about on this network is the fact that his performances can easily impact recruiting more than anyone else on this roster, as he is the biggest name to know on this roster, as well as the hottest story at the time.

It is also worth noting that the main position the Bruins have failed to land in the 2026 recruiting classes, the quarterback position, as they are looking to recruit guys who can make an impact. They have some names on their board, but the misfire of using a high-rated guy can show whether or not this system is as QB-friendly as some would hope.

If a guy like Iamaleava cannot succeed in this offense, it'll be hard to find someone who can, as he is one of the better quarterbacks in the class that he resided in, as well as one of the better quarterbacks in the nation when it comes to true talent; however, it showed Saturday night that he could not put it all together

Make sure you follow on X (Twitter) @UCLAInsideronSI and never miss another breaking news story again.

Please let us know your thoughts when you like our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.

This article first appeared on UCLA Bruins on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: