The Tennessee Volunteers are trying to sort out a situation involving quarterback Nico Iamaleava that is quite unique to the new era of college football.
Iamaleava and the Vols are locked in talks over a new NIL deal, according to Pete Nakos of On3. While Iamaleava is happy at Tennessee, he wants an adjustment to his deal, and the school is not surprised by the ask.
It is unclear if there is a risk of Iamaleava entering the transfer portal when it opens next week.
Iamaleava’s current NIL deal pays him between $2.2M and $2.5M, according to Nakos. The quarterback wants a raise because the value of such deals has risen, as evidenced by the big NIL deal Carson Beck received to transfer to Miami. Freshman Bryce Underwood’s Michigan NIL deal, which is worth over $3M, is cited as another example.
This issue will likely become more prevalent throughout college football as NIL deals get more expensive. Players like Iamaleava that have proven themselves at this level will want to remain among the most highly-paid players at their position. That will be a big headache for schools considering how easy it is for players to enter the portal.
Iamaleava helped lead Tennessee to the College Football Playoff as a freshman starter last season. In 13 games, he threw for 2,616 yards with 19 touchdown passes and five interceptions. He also rushed for 358 yards and three scores.
