'Multiple' CFB Teams Reportedly Waiting to See if Nico Iamaleava Drops NIL Demands

Tennessee transfer quarterback Nico Iamaleava is reportedly drawing some interest before the portal opens on Wednesday, but it's contingent on lowering his price range.

According to Pete Nakos of On3.com, "multiple teams" are waiting to see if Iamaleava drops his NIL demands closer to $1 million in the coming days.

Per ESPN's Dan Wetzel, Iamaleava agreed to a four-year deal worth approximately $8 million with Tennessee's NIL collective in the spring of 2022 when he was a high school junior. He would've made $2.2 million in the final year of his deal this season, but he "reportedly wanted some $4 million that was commensurate with what other quarterbacks who transferred this year were getting."

Nakos noted that "multiple programs are ready to become contenders if he is open to a deal closer to $1 million." UCLA reportedly has been "tied to Iamaleava since news broke of his departure last week." North Carolina would've been considered a landing spot ahead of legendary head coach Bill Belichick's first season, but Nakos stated that the Tar Heels are "viewed as the favorite to land South Alabama transfer Gio Lopez" and "out of the mix for Iamaleava."

Tulane was named as "another program that could be open to" landing Iamaleava, though Nakos reported Tuesday that the Green Wave have dropped out of the sweepstakes to land him.

Iamaleava started all 13 games for the Vols in 2024 and threw for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions while adding 358 rushing yards and three more scores while helping to lead the team to its first appearance in the College Football Playoff.