Todd McShay predicts a breakout season for UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 3, 2026, 3:00 AM
Last updated Sep 3, 2026
UCLA has named quarterback Nico Iamaleava a team captain for the 2026 season. New head coach Bob Chesney elevated the former Tennessee passer to the leadership role, signaling confidence in his ability to command the offense. NFL draft analyst Todd McShay recently highlighted Iamaleava’s dual-threat capabilities, specifically noting his physical toughness and mobility in tight spaces. McShay stated that Iamaleava possesses the arm talent required to make high-level NFL throws and suggested that the quarterback is currently underrated on a national scale. While the analyst acknowledged that Iamaleava needs to show improvement with his deep-ball accuracy, he predicted a significant rise in production for the player this year. The Bruins also named Sammy Omosigho as a captain for the upcoming schedule.
- •Nico Iamaleava and Sammy Omosigho were selected as team captains for the 2026 season.
- •Todd McShay identified Nico Iamaleava as having more natural talent than Dante Moore.
- •Coach Bob Chesney installed Nico Iamaleava as the primary leader of the Bruins roster.
- •Analysts point to Nico Iamaleava's running ability and anticipation on throws as key attributes.
- •Nico Iamaleava previously played at Tennessee before transferring to the UCLA program.
- 3:00 AMYahoo Sports — UCLA football news: Todd McShay drops Nico Iamaleava breakout prediction
"UCLA football tabbed returning quarterback Nico Iamaleava as a 2026 captain . Showing that new head coach Bob Chesney has complete trust in the dual-threat passer. Even longtime NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay is a believer in Iamaleava. The draft expert for The Ringer dropped a breakout prediction for the former Tennessee Volunteer. “I don’t think […] The post UCLA football news: Todd McShay drops Nico Iamaleava breakout prediction appeared first on ClutchPoints.
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