UCLA Bruins' quarterback Nico Iamaleava possesses an elite combination of size and speed. Even if Iamaleava isn’t the most built-out 6’5”, his height allows him to see over defenders and his own offensive line.
That skillset is valuable in the college game but becomes even more important at the next level. The 2026 season will determine what the future holds for Iamaleava. With a strong season under Bob Chesney, Iamaleava could wind up hearing his name early in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Rookie Watch reported earlier this week that Iamaleava has the chance to “soar up NFL Draft boards”, adding that NFL scouts have "extremely impressed” with what Iamaleava has shown thus far in training camp.
DEVELOPING: Nico Iamaleava has reportedly looked primed to “soar
up NFL Draft boards” at UCLA’s fall camp. NFL scouts that have rolled through UCLA’s practices have reportedly been “extremely impressed” with Iamaleava. One NFL scout reportedly believes the Bruins QB has “one… pic.twitter.com/4u4ZaQl1Lu
— Rookie Watch (@RookieWatxh) August 19, 2026
In Iamaleava’s first season with UCLA, the Tennessee transfer impressed with his legs, leading the Bruins in rushing yards but Rookie Watch reported that one NFL scout stated that Iamaleava has “one of the biggest arms” in next year’s class of quarterbacks.
That arm wasn’t displayed enough in UCLA’s offense last year. Between a dysfunctional offensive line and an overall lack of offensive cohesion, Iamaleava didn’t have too many chances to show off his right arm.
Things should be vastly improved in 2026 for Iamaleava and the Bruins. If the redshirt junior is able to show off his abilities on the field this season, then UCLA could have their first quarterback drafted since Dorian Thompson-Robinson in 2023 when the Cleveland Browns selected him in the fifth round.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Anonymous NFL scouts are impressed with Nico Iamaleava's training camp
