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Nico Iamaleava posts cryptic social media message on eve of transfer portal closing
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Nico Iamaleava had a fine season for the Tennessee Volunteers in 2024. It was the young quarterback’s first season as the starter, and the Volunteers ended with a 10-2 record and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
However, there may be some reason for concern after he posted a cryptic social media message on Friday evening — one day before the winter transfer portal window slams shut.
Initially, Iamaleava posted an Instagram story that featured a picture of him playing against Georgia with the “pondering” emoji. Then, the QB deleted the post and later reposted the same image with a different emoji. Here are a couple of screenshots from his Instagram story, via Sam Rothman:
It’s possible Iamaleava didn’t mean anything by these posts. However, this series of posts has spurred on some speculation of a possible Nico Iamaleava transfer away from Tennessee.
Iamaleava previously made headlines when he reportedly inked an NIL deal worth $8 million upon signing with Tennessee out of the 2023 high school class. The NIL situation in college football has only become more lucrative since he signed with the Vols roughly 2 years ago.
On the football field, Iamaleava should be happy in Knoxville. Fresh off a Playoff appearance in his first year as the starter, the QB is set to start again in 2025 and build off his promising debut.
Iamaleava threw for 2,616 yards with 19 TDs and 5 INTs in 2024.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
