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Is Nico Iamaleava's Brother the Next Big Thing?

Madden Iamaleava is the younger brother of Tennessee Volunteers quarterback, Nico Iamaleava and is currently committed to the UCLA Bruins. In this article, I explored the possibilty of Madden ending up in Knoxville in 2025 despite this, and if it would be the best decision for him.

ByPeter Bartell|
Warren quarterback Madden Iamaleava is under pressure by St. Bonaventure's Jacob Moraga as he fires a pass during the first quarter of the Seraphs' 24-21 win in the CIF-SS Division 3 championship game on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, at Ventura High's Larrabee Stadium.
Warren quarterback Madden Iamaleava is under pressure by St. Bonaventure's Jacob Moraga as he fires a pass during the first quarter of the Seraphs' 24-21 win in the CIF-SS Division 3 championship game on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, at Ventura High's Larrabee Stadium. | JOE LUMAYA/SPECIAL TO THE STAR / USA

Yes, Tennessee Volunteers starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava has a younger brother, Madden Iamaleava. Madden is rated as the 13th quarterback and 150th overall prospect nationally in the class of  2025 according to On3. While this is not rated as high as his older brother Nico who was ranked as the third quarterback nationally and number six prospect overall in the class of 2023.

Where is Madden Iamaleava Going to Play College Football?

This past week, Madden made a verbal commitment to play for the UCLA Bruins. This makes sense as Madden was not as highly recruited as Nico and allows him to stay close to home being that the Iamaleava’s are from Long Beach, California.

How Many Scholarship Offers did Madden Iamaleava have?

According to On3, Madden currently has 25 scholarship offers, including four from SEC schools with the Tennessee Volunteers being one of them.

While Iamaleava cannot sign a national letter of intent until December 4th, he did seem pretty solid on his verbal commitment to UCLA from his post on X (formerly known as Twitter).

However, do not be surprised if his brother Nico takes off in Knoxville this year if Madden is pursued harder by head coach Josh Heupel and the Volunteers. If Madden does end up in Knoxville, he will have some stiff competition ahead of him, and that does not include only his brother Nico.

What Quarterbacks does Tennessee Have on its Roster?

Madden would have to compete against 2024 signee Jake Merklinger and potentially 2025 verbal commitment George MacIntyre. Merklinger was the 201st overall recruit in his class, and MacIntyre is a highly touted recruit ranked 15th nationally and third overall at the quarterback position.

Given the depth and competition at the quarterback position in Knoxville, this could have been what kept Madden committed and out west with UCLA. A lot could change however until December. If UCLA does not have a good season in year one under DeShaun Foster, this could alter Iamaleava’s decision.

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