During the Big Ten media days, Nico Iamaleava stated that he hopes to declare for the NFL Draft, but back-to-back losses in the season were a glaring issue. But that didn’t drown his hopes. “I still have faith in every one of the guys,” he promised after the losses. And that promise burned bright as the Bruins registered three consecutive wins against Penn State, Michigan State, and Maryland. College football witnessed that redemption arc. So, can he fit into the QB draft class?

“He needs time,” Andy Reid weighs in on ESPN. He added. “Iamaleava had a rough start to the season. Though in his first four games, the Tennessee transfer ranked 78th in QBR in the country (54.4).” Vol’s former prized QB bid a bittersweet farewell to the Rocky Top, over alleged NIL demand, and entered DeShaun Foster’s UCLA.

“His rushing ability was the real separator between the first four games and Week 6, though,” Andy Reid added. Against PSU, Nico Iamaleava rushed for 128 yards, the highest this season. “Iamaleava kept drives alive with his legs, generating explosive plays and ultimately gaining another 128 yards and three more scores on the ground (16 carries).” He recorded his lowest rushing yards at 33 yards (against Lobos) in the first five games.

He is a dual-threat QB with a “big arm.” But he still needs time to up his draft stock. “He’s still just a redshirt sophomore. He has 19 career starts, and he is still inconsistent with accuracy and decision-making. I don’t expect Iamaleava to declare for the 2026 draft. I’d put him in the Day 3 conversation right now for next year, but it makes sense for him to keep developing before entering the 2027 or even 2028 class,” Andy Reid concluded.

Nico Iamaleava’s renaissance also drew praise from analyst Joel Klatt.

Joel Klatt praises Nico Iamaleava

“What a story,” Joel Klatt exclaimed as Nico Iamaleava’s UCLA upset Penn State. “Their quarterback played great. Nico Iamaleava looked like a five-star player. That’s what he looked like. He looked like a guy that could put the team on his back and go out there and win the football game,” he stated on the Joel Klatt Show.

For an offense that was ranked No. 134th, Nico’s reads and throws gave a stern answer. Klatt continued. “It was largely Nico, whether it was with his legs, making some great reads and throws, throwing the football down the field. He was great, man. That’s what a five-star player looks like.”

Presently, Nico Iamaleava has completed 1,355 yards for ten touchdowns in the season, with five interceptions. Coming up next, the Bruins have a challenging slate: Indiana, Nebraska, Ohio State, Washington, and USC. Can they maintain their recent run of form? Or was this just a purple patch? Share your thoughts in the comments.