There is shocking news in the college football world this weekend. It has been announced that the Tennessee program is moving on from starting Quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Head Coach Josh Heupel informed the team Saturday morning of the decision as they prepare for the Orange and White Spring Game this afternoon.
Sources said that the tipping point was Iamaleava missing practice and meetings on Friday. His father denied reports on NIL negotiations and called out an On3 reporter. Some would consider this a “holdout” like we have seen for many years in the NFL. Players may skip activities during training camp when they want to negotiate their contract. Talks of Nico’s contract became public this week.
Next Moves
Tennessee will have a new QB1 months after making it to the College Football Playoff. Iamaleava is expected to be the most notable player when the spring transfer portal opens on Wednesday. With this decision, Tennessee is left with 2 quarterbacks. Neither has started a game in college. They may be reaching out for his replacement for the 2025 season.
There is a rule that prohibits SEC players wanting immediate eligibility from transferring to another SEC school in the spring. This means that Iamaleava can’t go to another school in the conference and another SEC quarterback can’t go to Tennessee in 2025.
According to a source and ESPN, one quarterback was given more money from his school on Friday after Tennessee’s collective called third-party officials with ties to that player. Maybe we’ll find out one day who that was. Iamaleava arrived in Knoxville with a historic $8 million NIL deal. Now the two parties have uncertain futures.
Redshirt freshman Quarterback Jake Merklinger looks to be the starter next year. True freshman George MacIntyre is the backup and five-star 2026 recruit Faizon Brandon is committed to Tennessee.
Final Thoughts
It will be difficult for a quarterback to come in and learn Heupel’s system, and win the starting role by the end of August. Many believe this is the right move for both sides, considering the distraction it would have caused in the locker room.
