Nico Iamaleava, UCLA Lose to New Mexico After Reportedly Paying $1.2M for Matchup

The Nico Iamaleava era in UCLA is off to a disastrous start, as the Bruins fell to 0-3 this season after Friday’s 35-10 loss to New Mexico.

On top of their three straight losses, On3.com’s Brett McMurphy noted the Bruins paid New Mexico $1.2 million for the matchup in Los Angeles.

The $1.2 million figure paid to the Lobos is roughly the same amount that Iamaleava is receiving in NIL money from UCLA this season after he transferred from Tennessee.

Iamaleava went 22-of-34 for 217 yards with one touchdown and one interception against New Mexico. The sophomore quarterback has as many touchdowns as interceptions (three) through three games.

New Mexico outgained UCLA 450-326, with 298 of those yards coming on the ground. The score was close for most of the game, with UCLA trailing 14-10 after three quarters.

The fourth quarter saw everything fall apart for head coach DeShaun Foster’s squad. New Mexico scored touchdowns on each of its three possessions. UCLA’s offensive possessions ended with a turnover on downs, an interception and the end of the game.

Friday’s loss marked the second time the Bruins have lost by at least 25 points at the Rose Bowl this season. They were defeated 43-10 by Utah in the season opener on Aug. 30.

UCLA is the lone winless team in the Big Ten and conference play hasn’t even started yet. The Bruins will play their first Big Ten game of the season on Sept. 27 against Northwestern at Martin Stadium.

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