Nico Iamaleava’s departure from the Tennessee Volunteers has sent shockwaves through college football, especially with the transfer portal opening this Wednesday. Once hailed as the future of Tennessee football, Iamaleava’s exit has left the program in search of a new quarterback. This development has also made Iamaleava one of the most sought-after players in the upcoming transfer portal cycle.Rocky Top Insider+10Athlon Sports+10Wikipedia+10New York Post
Iamaleava, a 6-foot-6, 220-pound quarterback from Long Beach, California, was a five-star recruit and the top-ranked quarterback in the 2023 class. He enrolled early at Tennessee in December 2022 and quickly made an impact. After serving as the backup quarterback to Joe Milton during the 2023 regular season, Iamaleava was named Tennessee’s starting quarterback for the Citrus Bowl in January 2024. In his first career start, he threw for 151 yards and recorded four total touchdowns, leading Tennessee to a 35–0 victory over Iowa and earning Citrus Bowl MVP honors. Wikipedia
The 2024 season saw Iamaleava solidify his status as Tennessee’s starting quarterback. He threw for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns, and five interceptions, leading Tennessee to a 10–3 record and the program’s first-ever College Football Playoff appearance. Wikipedia
However, tensions began to rise ahead of the 2025 season. Reports indicate that Iamaleava sought to renegotiate his NIL deal, aiming to double his $2 million annual agreement to $4 million. When Tennessee declined to meet his demands, Iamaleava missed team meetings and spring practices, leading to his removal from the team roster. The US Sun
With Iamaleava’s departure, Tennessee is now left with two scholarship quarterbacks: redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and true freshman George MacIntyre. Both are four-star recruits, but neither has significant game experience. This situation has prompted Tennessee to consider adding a quarterback through the transfer portal, although finding a ready-to-start player at this stage of the offseason could be challenging.
As the transfer portal opens, Iamaleava is expected to be one of the most coveted quarterbacks available. His impressive performance in the 2024 season, combined with his high school pedigree, makes him an attractive option for many programs. However, his recent contract dispute and departure from Tennessee may raise concerns for some schools.
Potential suitors for Iamaleava include programs with a need at quarterback and the resources to meet his NIL expectations. Schools in Power Five conferences, particularly those with a history of strong quarterback play, may be interested in bringing Iamaleava on board. However, the ongoing debate over NIL compensation in college sports could influence Iamaleava’s decision and the schools he considers.