Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava has been seeking a new NIL deal from the school, and it does not sound like he is going to get one.
The Volunteers have decided to move on from Iamaleava, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports. Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel informed the team of the decision on Saturday morning.
Iamaleava was a no-show at spring practice on Friday without giving the team any advanced notice, which was said to be the driving force behind Tennessee wanting to go in another direction.
Tennessee hosts its annual spring game today. Iamaleava will not be present. There’s been little communication between the sides since he missed practice. He’s expected to enter the portal when it opens next week.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 12, 2025
Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports added that Iamaleava is planning to enter the transfer portal.
Iamaleava and Tennessee had reportedly been in talks about a new NIL deal. The quarterback wanted to remain with the Volunteers but is unhappy with his compensation package. It sounds like Heupel and the Vols had no tolerance for what was essentially the equivalent of an NFL player holding out for a new contract.
Iamaleava’s current NIL deal is reportedly worth between $2.2 million and $2.5 million. The sophomore wants a raise after other top quarterbacks across the country have secured more money than him.
In his first year as a full-time starter last season, Iamaleava threw for 2,616 yards with 19 touchdown passes and 5 interceptions. He also rushed for 358 yards and 3 scores. Iamaleava helped lead Tennessee to the College Football Playoff.
The spring transfer portal window opens on April 16.
