LAS VEGAS – Three months after Nico Iamaleava left Tennessee for UCLA amidst a major contract dispute in the NIL era, the star quarterback broke his silence.

You may not have heard the soft-spoken quarterback at Big Ten Media Days as he faced a barrage of questions about his departure from the Vols, where he led to the College Football Playoff.

He faced questions like: Did he leave Tennessee because he wanted more than the $2.2 million he was set to receive next season?

“Not at all,” he told CBS Sports, explaining that family was his main priority. “I let my business team handle the NIL side. Just being closer to family was most important.”

Iamaleava attended Big Ten Media Days to clarify his sudden exit from Tennessee, where he sat out practices amid contract dispute reports, suggesting he asked for a new $4 million deal. Despite these rumors, he insisted his departure was not financially motivated: “I love my O-line. I had a great O-line.”

If there are regrets, Iamaleava noted he wished he could have explained his situation to Tennessee fans better. “I thought it was essential to handle personal matters privately during that time. I appreciate my time there immensely.”

Nico is shifting his focus to a renewed UCLA squad, heading into the season with championship aspirations. He noted, “I want to bring championships back to Westwood. That’s our main goal. Everyone in the locker room truly believes in one another.”

Iamaleava will wear the number 9 at UCLA, symbolizing his nine immediate family members. “Man, I can’t wait for the season,” he said.