Report: UCLA in, UNC out of mix for Iamaleava

It doesn't sound like Bill Belichick will pursue Nico Iamaleava as North Carolina looks to add a new quarterback this offseason.

The Tar Heels are out of the mix for the Tennessee transfer QB, reports Pete Nakos of On3. Instead, Belichick's outfit is reportedly viewed as the favorite to land South Alabama passer Gio Lopez.

UCLA remains in the mix to get Iamaleava, according to Nakos, who adds that Tulane could also show interest in the star signal-caller.

The Tar Heels were considered a potential destination for Iamaleava immediately after the Volunteers parted ways with their former passer Saturday. The shocking decision came after Iamaleava missed practice while the two sides unsuccessfully negotiated a new NIL deal.

Iamaleava's deal at Tennessee was reportedly worth between $2.2 million and $2.5 million. His new asking price is apparently $4 million.

Iamaleava, a highly touted recruit in 2023, led Tennessee to the College Football Playoff for the first time last season while passing for 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns against only five interceptions. The California native also rushed for 358 yards and three scores.