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Josh Heupel thanks Nico Iamaleava, says Tennessee will look to add another QB
By Mark Kern
Published:
Josh Heupel and Tennessee made the decision to move on from Nico Iamaleava on Saturday after the 2 sides have been in a reported contract battle. The boiling point was on Friday, as Iamaleava skipped practice amidst negotiations.
While Heupel was obviously frustrated with the situation while speaking with reporters after Tennessee’s spring game, he did make sure to say thanks to his former quarterback.
“It’s unfortunate,” Heupel said. “I want to thank (Nico Iamaleava) for everything he did here. Obviously we’re moving forward as a program. There’s no one bigger than the Power T, and that includes me.”
Tennessee now has just 2 scholarship quarterbacks on the roster: Jake Merklinger and true freshman George MacIntyre. However, Josh Heupel confirmed on Saturday that the Vols will look to add another quarterback before the start of the 2025 season.
“We’re going to have to find another guy,” Heupel told reporters on Saturday.
There is still time for Tennessee to bring in a quarterback, as the portal opens next week. However, it remains to be seen what kind of options the Vols will have in the quarterback market this offseason. MacIntyre made at least one flashy play during the spring game and threw multiple touchdown passes.
The transfer portal will open on April 16.
