JUST IN: Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava Departs Program Amid NIL Dispute
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — In a stunning development, Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava has officially left the football program following a dispute over his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation.
Iamaleava, who guided the Vols to a 10-3 season and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024, reportedly sought to double his NIL earnings from $2 million to $4 million annually. Tensions escalated after the star QB missed multiple team meetings and spring practices, prompting head coach Josh Heupel to confirm his departure, emphasizing the program’s commitment to team-first values.
“This program is bigger than any one player,” Heupel stated. “We’re moving forward with those who are all-in.”
The situation has raised eyebrows nationwide, marking the first known instance of a college football player holding out for a pay raise—a move more commonly seen in professional leagues. Further scrutiny has been directed toward Iamaleava’s father, who played a prominent role in the NIL negotiations and is now facing criticism for how the standoff was handled.
In the wake of Iamaleava’s exit, redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and incoming freshman George MacIntyre are now battling for the starting job, though Tennessee may explore options in the transfer portal as well.
This moment could be a turning point in the evolving landscape of NIL in college sports.
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