Nico also has a connection UCLA's front office from his high school days. Stacey Ford, who was hired as the program's director of player personnel in March 2024, previously worked as an assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at Warren High School when Iamaleava played for the program for two seasons from 2020 to '21.

While the timing of it all puts some pressure on Tennessee, it also places Iamaleava behind the 8-ball. There's no doubt that, were he to hit the portal, plenty of suitors would be willing to take a swing on his pedigree,