Which UCLA transfer add could emerge as Nico Iamaleava's go-to guy?

Nico Iamaleava needs more help in 2026. After attempting to carry a heavy load for the UCLA Bruins, things should be a bit more manageable for Iamaleava in 2026 with UCLA adding talent to their offensive line and skill positions.

One of those skill position additions was Brian Rowe Jr. from the South Carolina Gamecocks. On3 Sports’ Pete Nakos reported that Rowe was receiving high praise for his work this training camp with his new team.

"Throughout the spring, sources told On3 to keep tabs on South Carolina transfer WR Brian Rowe at UCLA," Nakos said. "He's continued to garner attention. Sources believe he could emerge as Nico Iamaleava's top target."

Rowe quickly earned the trust of the South Carolina coaching staff, catching 19 receptions for 149 yards as a true freshman. Rowe was a four-star recruit for the Gamecocks, with 247 Sports labeling him a three-star transfer this offseason.

Rowe isn’t a huge, physical target for Iamaleava, as Rowe stands at 5’11” and weighs 168 lbs.

UCLA has a plethora of options at wide receiver but no clear No. 1 wideout for Iamaleava. The group features Rowe, Mikey Matthews, Leland Smith, Landon Ellis, Semaj Morgan and Aiden Mizell.

Matthews is the leading returning wide receiver for the Bruins, putting up 348 yards for UCLA in 2025. Other than Matthews, UCLA has no returning wide receiver with more than 100 yards receiving with the team last year. 

We’ll see next week who emerges as Iamaleava’s go-to as the Bob Chesney era finally gets started on the road versus Cal.

This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Which UCLA transfer add could emerge as Nico Iamaleava's go-to guy?