Nico Iamaleava and the Tennessee Volunteers are officially going their separate ways after the standout quarterback missed Friday’s spring practice while seeking a more lucrative NIL deal. Following the announcement of his departure, former Ohio State quarterback and national champion Cardale Jones shared a direct message aimed at Iamaleava.
This offseason, a number of quarterbacks have renegotiated their NIL deals, and Iamaleava hoped to do the same. While Tennessee was open to offering him more money, the school reportedly had a limit. His decision to skip practice was the tipping point, leading head coach Josh Heupel to move on.
“It’s just the current landscape of college football,” Heupel told Vol Network. “At the end of the day, nobody is above the program — not even me. We’ve got a group of players ready to give everything for Tennessee.”
Iamaleava’s exit has sparked criticism from fans and analysts alike. Cardale Jones joined the conversation, applauding Tennessee’s stance and taking a jab at Iamaleava’s performance.
https://x.com/CJ1two/status/1911073189699989821?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1911073189699989821%7Ctwgr%5E432983d764f4008610c4a6e768ece6b301b550f9%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fathlonsports.com%2Fcollege%2Ftennessee-volunteers%2Fohio-state-legends-blunt-message-nico-iamaleava
“I love it!” Jones posted on X. “Tennessee holding their ground! Every average but talented QB supposedly demanding elite money. Tennessee said ‘Not happening!’”
Iamaleava’s production in 2024 was solid, though perhaps not elite. In his first season as Tennessee’s starter, he passed for 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns while also rushing for 358 yards and three scores. With the transfer portal opening Wednesday, he’s expected to draw interest from programs looking for a high-upside quarterback.
This saga adds to the growing conversation around NIL and player leverage — and with spring games and the portal heating up, Iamaleava’s next move will be one to watch.
