Madden Iamaleava Joins UCLA After Entering Transfer Portal

Madden Iamaleava, a promising quarterback originating from the University of Arkansas, is set to reunite with his brother Nico Iamaleava at UCLA. This transfer comes after Madden’s decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal, as confirmed by sources to ESPN.

Background on Madden Iamaleava

Ranked as the No. 145 overall recruit in the 2025 class by ESPN, Madden Iamaleava previously committed to UCLA before flipping to Arkansas during the early signing period in December 2024. He becomes the highest-ranked recruit in the 2025 ESPN 300 to enter the portal this spring.

Family Connection to UCLA

Madden’s move comes shortly after his older brother, Nico Iamaleava, chose to transfer to UCLA. Nico left the Tennessee program following a series of missed team events and the announcement from head coach Josh Heupel that the Volunteers would proceed without him.

Recruiting Journey

The 6-foot-3 quarterback, hailing from Long Beach, California, was recognized as the No. 12 pocket passer in the 2025 recruiting cycle. Prior to signing with Arkansas, he had a successful high school career at California’s Warren High School and Long Beach Polytechnic, although he was unable to play during his senior season due to eligibility issues following his transfer.

Significance of Transfer

Iamaleava’s initial commitment to Arkansas represented a substantial victory for Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman, marking a high-point in their recruiting efforts. After completing spring camp, he decided to explore other opportunities, leading to his return to UCLA.

Next Steps

As Madden prepares to join the Bruins, the impact of his decision remains to be seen. His previous experiences at Arkansas and high school should position him well as he embarks on this new chapter of his collegiate career.

This report was originally highlighted by CBS Sports/247Sports regarding the transition of Madden Iamaleava into the transfer portal.