On the brink of a third coach, Nico Iamaleava didn't want to re‑enter the transfer portal. After UCLA hired former James Madison coach Bob Chesney, the two instantly clicked, making the decision easy. "The transfer portal was never where I wanted to be," Iamaleava said at Big Ten media days.\n\nFor Chesney, keeping Nico Iamaleava was a top priority. When he saw the quarterback was already at home and not ready to move again, he said, "He did not want to go anywhere." That alignment sealed the choice.\n\nChesney brought five coaches and 10 players from JMU but knew the quarterback spot was sensitive. "Your quarterback needs to be your leader," he told ESPN, noting that a familiar signal‑caller would give the team stability.\n\nIn his first season, Nico Iamaleava threw 1,928 yards and 13 touchdowns with seven interceptions as the Bruins went 3‑9 and fired De Shaun Foster after three games.

He now looks forward to a more stable environment.