Tennessee and UCLA have effectively swapped quarterbacks in what many are calling college football’s first unofficial “trade,” with Nico Iamaleava leaving the Volunteers for the Bruins while Joey Aguilar moves in the opposite direction.
Iamaleava, the former five-star quarterback, unexpectedly left Tennessee and returned to his home state of California to join UCLA. Shortly after, Aguilar, who was projected to be UCLA’s starter, entered the transfer portal and committed to Tennessee.
The unusual quarterback exchange has captured national attention.
“Hey Joey Aguilar, pro tip. If you come to Tennessee and give it your all, my friend you will leave a multi-millionaire and never pay for a thing again in this state. Not kidding,” Allan Bell said. “You’ve been handed a lottery ticket, take advantage kid.”
UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster defended Iamaleava’s decision amid criticism over his departure from Tennessee.
“You just have to go with your gut and with the people that you trust,” Foster said. “You can’t just read everything on social media and come to a conclusion from that. You have to do a little bit more homework.”
Both quarterbacks must complete their current academic semester before officially joining their new programs.
“UCLA coach DeShaun Foster noted today that QB Nico Iamaleava has to ‘finish first at Tennessee’ before joining the team this summer. To be eligible, transfers have to finish classes. The same goes for Joey Aguilar,” Chris Low wrote.
The situation has become so notable that some fans are calling for the NCAA to schedule a game between Tennessee and UCLA.
For Aguilar, the move to Tennessee presents a significant opportunity in one of college football’s most high-profile programs.
Once the academic semester concludes, both quarterbacks will be cleared to begin their fresh starts with their new teams.
