Tennessee football fans were frustrated on Friday morning to learn that Volunteers starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava was skipping practice with the team amid contract negotiations with the team over NIL money.
According to reports, Iamaleava is currently set to earn between $2.2-2.4 million in NIL money in 2025. ESPN’s Chris Low reported that Iamaleava’s representatives have said that there is no NIL renegotiation going on. However, that seems to conflict with what the outlet’s sources have told them.
“Iamaleava’s reps were adamant Thursday to news outlets that there was no NIL renegotiation going on. But sources tell ESPN there has been growing frustration among the administration and players about the situation, especially when Iamaleava didn’t show for practice,” Low explained on X.
Low reported that Iamaleava’s reps were seeking $4 million in NIL money prior to the NCAA’s winter transfer portal closing. But the Vols have reportedly balked at that price.
“Right before the winter portal closed, Iamaleava’s reps wanted to see his deal upped to $4 million range and again this time as the spring portal opens Wednesday, and according to sources, Tennessee officials said they ‘weren’t going to blink.’”
Right before the winter portal closed, Iamaleava’s reps wanted to see his deal upped to $4 million range and again this time as the spring portal opens Wednesday, and according to sources, Tennessee officials said they “weren’t going to blink.”
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) April 11, 2025
Fans on X weren’t at all amused by Iamaleava’s alleged demand. Some feel that the Vols would be better off just letting him leave than giving in to his demands:
“He’s barely a top 10 QB in the SEC. I like him but get real,” one user remarked.
“He obviously is not a team player. Let him go. After the NC State game last year he never really impressed me,” wrote another.
“Maybe complete more than 10% of your open deep shots then come back with this,” a third suggested.
“Let him walk. Can’t be held hostage by greedy family. Been an average college QB at best thus far. Ride with Merklinger and get portal QB.”
“He’s an average quarterback. Please let this dude walk. Give me me Mac or Merk.”
Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
Iamaleava helped lead Tennessee to a 10-3 record and their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance. But he didn’t exactly light up opposing defenses, particularly against the top competition.
What do you think the Tennessee Volunteers should do about Iamaleava?
Related: College Football Fans React To Nico Iamaleava’s Holdout
