Tennessee Moves On from Starting Quarterback Nico Iamaleava Amid NIL Dispute

Tennessee Moves On from Starting Quarterback Nico Iamaleava Amid NIL Dispute

 

1. In a significant development for Tennessee Volunteers football, head coach Josh Heupel has informed the team that starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava will no longer be
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   part of the program. This decision follows Iamaleava’s recent absences from team meetings and spring practices, which were reportedly linked to his efforts to renegotiate his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal.

 

Iamaleava, a redshirt sophomore, had been a pivotal figure in Tennessee’s offense, leading the team to a 10-3 record and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024. Despite his on-field success, tensions arose over his existing $2 million annual NIL contract. Reports indicate that Iamaleava sought to double this amount, aiming for a $4 million deal. When these negotiations did not yield the desired outcome, Iamaleava missed practices and meetings, actions that ultimately led to his departure from the team .

 

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