It’s been nearly a month and a half since UCLA parted ways with head coach DeShaun Foster. Since, interim head coach Tom Skipper and assistant head coach Jerry Neuheisel have revitalized the program. After starting the season 0-4, the Bruins went on to win three straight. This included a big win at home against Penn State. Most recently, UCLA dropped a road game against #2 Indiana. Perhaps the biggest beneficiary of the head coaching change has been QB Nico Iamaleava. Since then, he’s thrown 7 touchdowns, including 3 against Michigan State. Can UCLA’s improvements on offense save Nico Iamaleava’s 2026 NFL Draft stock?
Nico Iamaleava made his way to UCLA this offseason. He did so via a very public breakup with Tennessee. Given how much success Iamaleave had at Tennessee last season, many didn’t understand the move. Last season, Iamaleava threw for 2,600 yards and 19 touchdowns. However, the theme for Iamaleava’s collegiate career has been inconsistency. That has followed Nico Iamaleava to UCLA.
Nico Iamaleava at his best is a top 3 qb in college football pic.twitter.com/S3pUYq4b01
— John (@iam_johnw) October 4, 2025
It should be noted that Nico Iamaleava is still a redshirt sophomore. Declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft wouldn’t be what I advise him to do, but I also wouldn’t have pushed him to UCLA. According to the NFL Mock Draft Database, Nico Iamaleava’s 2026 NFL Draft stock slots him into the 7th round. As mentioned, I wouldn’t advise him to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. However, if he can play consistent football down the stretch and keep the Bruins in the winning column, then it’s a whole new ballgame.