Tennessee Reportedly 'Moving On' from Nico Iamaleava Amid Contract Negotiation Rumors

The contract standoff between Nico Iamaleava and Tennessee has come to a swift end with the quarterback no longer being part of the team.

Per ESPN's Pete Thamel, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel told the team on Saturday they were "moving on" from Iamaleava after he skipped meetings and practice on Friday.

Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger added Iamaleava submitted paperwork to the school to enter the transfer portal. Adam Gorney of Rivals and Yahoo Sports reported that USC will not be pursuing Iamaleava once he enters the portal.

Pete Nakos of On3.com reported on Thursday that Iamaleava and Tennessee were having "active negotiations" about a new NIL deal for the 2025 season.

When no agreement came to be prior to the Vols' first spring practice on Friday, Thamel reported Iamaleava was a no-show for the event in what was said to be a "surprise" to coaches and players.

Thamel also noted the situation has "become a growing source of frustration" among Tennessee administrators and within the locker room.

Among the teams Iamaleava expressed interest in joining in the transfer portal was Oregon, according to Thamel. Tennessee "was aware that Iamaleava's representatives had reached out to at least one other school, Oregon, prior to the start of spring practice," per Thamel.

However, the Ducks said they weren't interested in the quarterback, Thamel added.

It's unclear what type of deal Iamaleava is seeking. He originally committed to the Volunteers in 2022 on an NIL contract that was reportedly worth up to $8 million.

The quarterback market has changed significantly in the three years since that agreement. Carson Beck and Darian Mensah are believed to be making $4 million in 2025 after transferring to new schools in December.

According to Thamel, it could be "difficult" for Iamaleava to potentially find an NIL deal roughly equivalent to the mid-$2 million range he would have made at Tennessee in the transfer portal right now because schools have already structured their salaries for 2025 already.

Iamaleava's departure also leaves Tennessee with a void to fill at starting quarterback for next season.

Jake Merklinger, a 4-star recruit in the 2024 class, is the top signal-caller on the roster. He made two appearances as a true freshman, completing six of his nine pass attempts.

George MacIntyre was penciled in as the No. 3 quarterback on the roster. He is a 4-star prospect and No. 13 quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class, per 247Sports.

Thamel reported Tennessee officials have started reaching out to third parties who could potentially replace Iamaleava.

Jaden Rashada, who spent last year at Georgia, is the top-ranked uncommitted quarterback in the transfer portal. He has had contact with three Group of Five programs, including Connecticut, Tulane and Western Kentucky, per Nakos.

The spring transfer window runs from April 16-25.

Iamaleava took over as Tennessee's starter last season. He threw for 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns in 13 games, leading the Vols to a 10-3 record and a berth in the College Football Playoff where they lost to Ohio State in the first round.