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Nico Iamaleava saga: Tennessee reportedly makes decision on QB’s future
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Tennessee is reportedly prepared to move on from starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava as the Vols prepare for their spring game on Saturday.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, head coach Josh Heupel informed the team early Saturday morning of the plans to move on from the former 5-star recruit who started during the 2024 season. The situation came to a head when Iamaleava was absent from practice and team meetings on Friday on the eve of the spring game, something Thamel reported was a driving factor in the decision.
Of course, with that kind of move, Iamaleava is expected to hit the transfer portal when it opens next week and leave Tennessee for a new program in time for the 2025 season.
The saga involving Iamaleava heated up earlier this week with reports that the QB’s camp was seeking an increase in his NIL package from the Vols. His father was quick to denounce that report on social media, though the report gained further credibility with Iamaleava’s surprising absence on Friday.
As of Friday evening, reports indicated there had been no contact between Tennessee officials and Iamaleava. Now, the Vols are making their move to press forward without the former elite prospect.
Coming out of high school, Iamaleava was the No. 2 QB in the country per the 247 Sports Composite. Only Arch Manning was rated higher in the 2023 recruiting class with Iamaleava also earning the distinction as the No. 3 overall prospect in the nation.
As a freshman, Iamaleava backed up Joe Milton before starting and shining in a Citrus Bowl victory over Iowa. Iamaleava recorded 4 total touchdowns in that win.
This past season, Iamaleava earned the starting job and shined in spurts with the Vols, leading the team to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance as an at-large bid. Unfortunately, that trip was short-lived with Iamaleava and the offense shut down on the road by Ohio State.
Now, Iamaleava leaves behind a less-than-desirable legacy, and all eyes will turn to where he lands for 2025 and who the Vols roll out as his successor this fall.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
