The energy around UCLA football right now starts and ends with one question: Can Nico Iamaleava be the guy who finally takes the Bruins to the next level? From the moment he stepped onto campus in Westwood after transferring from Tennessee, every practice has felt like an audition, and every throw is being watched by teammates looking for a spark.
Nobody is feeling that anticipation more than head coach DeShaun Foster, who admits there are moments in Costa Mesa that make him rethink what he thought he knew about his new quarterback. So what has camp actually shown about Iamaleava? That’s the storyline everyone’s tracking as the 2025 season opens.
How Is Nico Iamaleava Changing the UCLA Bruins’ Offense?
As UCLA moves further into its fall camp at the Jack R. Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, Foster hasn’t held back about what stands out: Iamaleava is already the focal point of the offense. Foster says he learned a lot about his new signal-caller before he arrived, but day-to-day practice keeps revealing more layers to Iamaleava’s game.
“Just how much of a competitor he is,” Foster said when asked what he’s discovered so far. “Just a leader. He gets fired up when we have some of those competitive periods and you can see his juice going and drawing a little bit with some of the guys on defense that he knows. They’re having fun and playing with enthusiasm.”
Teammates have picked up on that spark, and the connection isn’t limited to just one wide receiver. While Quasi has shown up next to Iamaleava often, Foster points out it’s the whole group who’s feeding off the vibe.
“I’m seeing Mikey [Matthews], Rico [Flores Jr.], everybody. They just kind of gravitate to him,” Foster said. “When you have a top-level quarterback like that who can play at a high level, they just like him.”
This situation reminds Foster of the reaction the team had when former Bruins quarterback Ethan Garbers got back on the field. According to Foster, Iamaleava brings “that same charisma.”
Turning to the rest of the offense, Foster credited position coaches for helping the unit build chemistry despite shuffling players around. “Coach [Andy] Kwan’s doing a great job with the O-line,” Foster said. “They’re jelling and even though there might be different rotations and different guys in there at times, they all have a common goal and they’re working hard.”
What Does DeShaun Foster Expect from UCLA’s Defense and Skill Positions in 2025?
There’s more happening than just a new quarterback in the spotlight. Foster made sure to call out other position groups and individuals standing out early in camp.
Linebacker Ben Perry, for example, “probably had two sacks the last practice,” Foster shared, and he highlighted Perry’s flexibility with his background at safety. On the defensive line, the head coach likes the depth, mentioning Anthony Jones, Kechaun Bennett, and Grant Buckey as strong contributors, plus seeing veterans Gary Smith III and Keanu Williams back in the mix.
UCLA’s Angle DB Drill
45 degree releases, working on cutting off angles. Win with your feet.
Via @BruinReport
— Chris Haddad (@chrisvIQtory) May 15, 2025
At the skill positions, Foster zeroed in on Mikey Matthews, who’s stepped into a leadership role quickly, and Jalen Woods, who has become more vocal after years of quietly putting in work.
Even with plenty of storylines emerging from camp, Foster’s message remains steady: Iamaleava’s competitive streak, vocal leadership, and ability to bring people together are already making a real impact in the locker room.
