ESPN's Chris Low pleads for UCLA-Tennessee week zero showdown after wild "trade" completes

Nico Iamaleava transferred to UCLA after a brief stint in the transfer portal, marking one of the messiest exits in recent college football history. Iamaleava reportedly sought a raise of nearly $2 million, but the Tennessee Volunteers weren’t willing to meet that demand. His family didn’t take that well and began exploring other options.

Initial reports claimed the Iamaleavas had no idea negotiations were happening behind the scenes. However, it eventually became clear that the entire situation had been orchestrated by the family.

“Unannounced to both Nic and Nico, their agent went behind their back to work negotiations once again. When he overplayed his hand, things got messy quickly. He attempted to save some face with the family by blaming the Tennessee side,” Ryan Roberts wrote.

Following Iamaleava’s commitment to UCLA, Joey Aguilar entered the transfer portal. Aguilar had been projected as UCLA’s starting quarterback, but his role shifted with Iamaleava’s arrival in California. Aguilar then made a surprising move—transferring to Tennessee—where he’s now being viewed as a potential hidden gem.

“Hey Joey Aguilar, pro tip. If you come to Tennessee and give it your all, my friend you will leave a multi-millionaire and never pay for a thing again in this state. Not kidding,” Allan Bell said. “You’ve been handed a lottery ticket, take advantage kid.”

Aguilar may be exactly what the Volunteers needed after losing Iamaleava, but there’s one matchup that has the entire college football world buzzing.

“Anything goes now in college football, so let’s bring back the old Kickoff Classic in Week Zero: Tennessee vs. UCLA at the Rose Bowl,” ESPN’s Chris Low wrote.

That would have every college football fan glued to their screens: two quarterbacks going head-to-head against their former teams. One walked out; the other was essentially pushed out. While Aguilar hasn’t been guaranteed the starting job, if he earns it, this could become the most anticipated quarterback matchup of the year. Then again, it’s just a what if.