NFL, CFB Insiders Reportedly Feel Nico Iamaleava Got 'Bad Advice' amid Transfer Buzz

Nico Iamaleava is on his way out of Tennessee after failed contract negotiations led to the Vols moving on from the quarterback.

Iamaleava was already one of the highest-paid players in college sports as he was reportedly expected to make $2.4 million in 2025, but he wanted more from the Vols and didn't get it.

According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the young quarterback was "a victim of taking bad advice." Breer also reported that staffers around the NFL and college football think Iamaleava's family "perhaps focused too much on what they can collectively make now, and not on what’s coming."

Iamaleava, who took over as Tennessee's starter last year, had a decent first year with 2,616 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions, which was enough to take the Vols to the College Football Playoffs.

The 20-year-old was presumably set to make a leap in 2025 and perhaps be ready for the NFL draft next year, but now his future is a bit more uncertain.

With spring practices already underway, most top teams already have their starting quarterback for the 2025 season and will likely pass on Iamaleava—or at least pass on giving him the kind of money he was seeking from Tennessee.

That could lead to Iamaleava landing a less sought-after role than that which he had with the Vols, and he'll almost certainly not command as much NIL money wherever he lands.

Things could work better for Iamaleava than they would have had he stayed at Tennessee, but for now, it's hard to describe his approach as anything other than confusing.