All Hogs

Taking Both Iamaleava, Wilson Best of Both Worlds for Hogs, Pittman

Razorbacks taking two quarterbacks in 2025 class wasn't really first plan
Jacob Davis|
Warren quarterback Madden Iamaleava is under pressure by St. Bonaventure's Jacob Moraga as he fires a pass during the first quarter of the Seraphs' 24-21 win in the CIF-SS Division 3 championship game on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, at Ventura High's Larrabee Stadium.
Warren quarterback Madden Iamaleava is under pressure by St. Bonaventure's Jacob Moraga as he fires a pass during the first quarter of the Seraphs' 24-21 win in the CIF-SS Division 3 championship game on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, at Ventura High's Larrabee Stadium. | JOE LUMAYA/SPECIAL TO THE STAR / USA TODAY NETWORK

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Arkansas Razorbacks

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The early national signing period ended up being an eventful one for fans when California quarterback Madden Iamaleava surprisingly flipped his commitment from UCLA to Arkansas.

Jokes about offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino calling the shots on signing day ran amok in the minds of many as the Razorbacks flipped not only a talented quarterback, but two other receivers. As Pittman recalls, he heard from his play caller late Tuesday afternoon there was a chance of Iamaleava formally flipping his pledge the next day.

"Madden, he came about obviously late late," PIttman said. "As in, I had my hip surgery on Tuesday and Tuesday night [we contacted him], and Wednesday was his signing date. That’s late."

Obviously, the move caused a little bit of a stink as the initial plan didn't include to taking another passer alongside in-state star Grayson Wilson of Conway. When another national 4-star quarterback who's brother already starts at another SEC program comes available with mutual interest there is reason to listen.

"Normally, you wouldn’t take two guys," Pittman said. "But, you certainly would not pass up on Madden [Iamaleava] either. So, that’s how that happened."

While neither of the true freshmen quarterbacks are quite ready to take the reins as back-up, they know their role is to come in, learn the system, work hard in development and be sponges who soak in knowledge from coaches and peers. They will both have a chance to compete for the starting spot later down the road once Taylen Green decides to pursue professional opportunities.

Plans change from time to time but the only thing both quarterbacks can do is build a healthy relationship between each other and compete each day. With Petrino mentoring the group, there is no reason to doubt this room will develop well considering the talent it boasts.

"We like both of [Wilson and Iamaleava], Pittman said. "Grayson has done a really great job coming in here, exactly what we thought he would be. Hard worker, great kid, knowledgeable. Madden’s done the same but because of his high school graduation he was maybe two weeks behind getting in here, but we had worked it out with the school and all that."

Iamaleava passed for over 4,200 yards, 53 touchdowns and only five interceptions during his high school career. He missed his senior season because of his eligibility being denied by the California Interscholastic Federation Southern-Section after transferring to Long Beach Poly from Warren High School in Downey, California.

Wilson comes to Arkansas after throwing for over 6,700 yards through the air for 77 touchdowns. He can also extend plays with his legs as he rushed for over 1,000 career yards and more than 20 scores on the ground as a high schooler.

HOGS FEED:

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• Aloy, Davalan homers power Arkansas to sweep of Warhawks

• Don't expect answers about Hogs' spring from Pittman Thursday

• Calipari's Hogs grab monumental win, should end bubble talk

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Jacob Davis
JACOB DAVIS

Jacob Davis is a reporter for Arkansas Razorbacks on SI, with a decade of experience covering high school and transfer portal recruiting. He has previously worked at Rivals, Saturday Down South, SB Nation and hosted podcasts with Bleav Podcast Network where his show was a finalist for podcast of the year. Native of El Dorado, he currently resides in Central Arkansas with his wife and daughter.

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