Nico Iamaleava announces transfer to UCLA in social media post, admits decision was 'incredibly difficult'

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Nico Iamaleava has a new team, as he confirmed on social media that he will be heading to UCLA in the transfer portal. 

Before making the announcement, the UCLA coaching staff reportedly told its quarterbacks that the former Tennessee Volunteers signal-caller is expected to transfer to the Bruins, per ESPN. 

UCLA has been connected to Iamaleava since he entered the transfer portal after a reported rift with Tennessee over NIL negotiations. 

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Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava (Steve Roberts-Imagn Images)

"My journey at UT has come to an end," he wrote in an Instagram post. "This decision was incredibly difficult, and truthfully, not something I expected to make this soon. But I trust God's timing, and I believe He's leading me where I need to be.

"Even though this chapter is ending, a new chapter has begun and I am committed to UCLA!"

NICO IAMALEAVA COULD LOSE MILLIONS WITH NEW TEAM AFTER TENNESSEE NIL DRAMA: REPORT

Iamaleava also touched on his faith before explaining his decision. 

"First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for His grace, for continuing to bless my family, and for allowing me to live out my passion each and every day," he wrote.

Drama surrounded Iamaleava and Tennessee, the latter of which stood firm against the former’s alleged NIL demands as Iamaleava’s father, Nic, had been publicly denying that his son was leaving the program for financial reasons. 

Iamaleava's NIL drama with the Vols sent shock waves through college football because he became the first-ever college player to hold out from a program for a bigger