Quarterback Nico Iamaleava was absent from Tennessee’s Orange and White game last Saturday and has been removed from the roster. It seems Iamaleava is on his way to entering the transfer portal, which opens on Wednesday. Coach Josh Heupel briefly addressed the situation before the spring game, stating, “It’s the reality of college football. No one is above the program, including myself. We have a talented group of players who will give their all for Tennessee as we move forward and compete.”
Iamaleava, whose name, image, and likeness deal caused an NCAA investigation and legal dispute in January 2024, spent the spring practice expected to be the starting quarterback for the second consecutive season. However, reports suggest he was seeking a significant increase in his NIL compensation and was not present at practice on Friday.
With Iamaleava no longer listed on the team’s website or roster, and his gear not available at Neyland Stadium shops, Heupel now looks to a pair of four-star recruits in his quarterback room, led by Jake Merklinger and incoming freshman George MacIntyre. Heupel also has a commitment from the top recruit for 2026, quarterback Faizon Brandon.
Tennessee is aiming for improvement in its passing offense, as they ranked 77th nationally in 2024 with an average of 221.2 passing yards per game.
