UCLA’s Odds to Win Big 10 & National Championship After Nico Iamaleava’s Transfer

• Quarterback Nico Iamaleava has reportedly chosen UCLA as his next college football destination
• The Bruins National Championship odds have shortened to +50000 since the transfer
• Dive into all of the latest UCLA Big 10 & National Championship odds after Nico Iamaleava’s transfer

Former five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava has reportedly landed on UCLA as his next school following an ugly divorce from the Tennessee Volunteers program. Josh Heuepel and the Volunteers program held firm against Iamaleava’s attempts to renegotiate his NIL contract, with Tennessee reportedly unwilling to give into the quarterback’s financial demands as far back as December.

Tennessee’s loss becomes UCLA’s gain as the Bruins appear to land a new starting quarterback at the eleventh hour. Let’s take a look at UCLA’s odds to win the Big 10 and National Championship after Nico Iamaleava’s reported transfer.

What Nico Iamalaeava brings to UCLA

For UCLA, landing Iamalaeava is the kind of transaction that has the potential to reset the trajectory of the football program. The 6’6 Long Beach native flashed tantalizing upside down the stretch during Tennessee’s late-season playoff push. With a huge arm and prototypical size, Nico is the kind of quarterback Foster can build a winning culture around.

Whether he left for money, for his family, or for other reasons, we’ll truly never know. However, Nico’s lasting legacy is that of the first NIL deal to go public with huge numbers, and also the first to go through a messy breakup. Some outlets are reporting Nico’s father aimed to steer his son to greener pastures to help his NFL future, while others are stating he simply wanted to get paid after leading Tennessee to the College Football Playoff.

Regardless of the reasons for Iamaleava’s transfer, the chaos that ensued will send shockwaves through the college football world. One thing is certain in this ordeal, and that’s the fact that college football’s NIL system is broken. If players are going to be paid like the pros, why not institute some sort of CBA or contract system to protect both sides? That being said, a fresh start in a pro-style offensive represents a clean slate for the California native. Nico finally has the chance to show scouts he’s more than just an athlete with upside.

UCLA Big Ten Odds & Predictions

Odds as of April 17th, at DraftKings Sportsbook. Find a Draftkings promo code for all your college football betting action. 

Iamaleava threw for 19 touchdowns and just five interceptions in his first year as the starting quarterback for the Volunteers. Tennessee’s stifling defense did the rest, and the Vols ended up in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. But, Iamaleava’s road back to college football’s grandest stage just got immeasurably harder.

Not only do the Bruins lack any true difference makers at key positions, UCLA returns just 43% of their production from last season, ranking No.111 in the nation. Sure, Iamaleava’s arrival raises the ceiling for the Bruins. However, it also adds a ton of pressure to a UCLA squad that isn’t ready for the spotlight.

Big 10 rivals Penn State, Michigan, Ohio State, and Indiana all return far more talent than the Bruins. While many teams’ in the Big 10 welcome new quarterbacks, a brutal conference gauntlet will leave UCLA out of the conference championship picture.

UCLA National Championship Odds & Predictions

Odds as of April 17th, at DraftKings Sportsbook. Look for a Draftkings promo code for all your college football betting action. 

UCLA’s odds have improved from +65000 at open to +50000 in the College Football National Championship odds after Iamaleava’s arrival. Having said that, +50000 odds to win the championship places UCLA firmly in longshot territory.

Even with a top-tier arm under center, the Bruins lack the talent and depth of other Big 10 rosters. Additionally, an arduous schedule does UCLA no favors, as they welcome familiar foes Utah in August before taking on Penn State, Michigan State, Maryland, Indiana, Nebraska, Ohio State, Washington, and USC to end the season. The Bruins will be lucky to escape that baptism of fire with more than three wins.

As such, the safer bet is on UCLA under 5.5 regular-season wins. Only early season matchups with UNLV, New Mexico and Northwestern look like victories and on paper, the Bruins remain one of the worst teams in the Big 10.

• UCLA Season Win Totals Pick: Under 5.5 wins (-170)

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