One of many largest storylines within the faculty soccer offseason is former Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava. After the Volunteers’ spring recreation final Saturday, head coach Josh Heupel introduced the varsity was parting methods with Iamaleava.
The QB missed observe and conferences final Friday. On high of that, he didn’t return calls or texts afterward. Iamaleava wished a brand new contract with Tennessee, and so they weren’t keen to offer him that. That’s why he’s within the switch portal, however his market is much lower than he anticipated. Former Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton known as out whoever gave Nico Iamaleava the recommendation to depart Tennessee and search extra money.
What does the long run maintain for Nico Iamaleava?
Cam Newton issued a stark warning amid the Nico Iamaleava saga pic.twitter.com/I38uHC4BzJ
— Sports activities Illustrated (@SInow) April 16, 2025
Nico Iamaleava was in the highschool recruiting class of 2023. He was a four-star athlete who dedicated to the College of Tennessee. Iamaleava had affords from different main packages like Oregon, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Ohio State, Miami, and LSU. Nonetheless, Nico selected Tennessee and signed a $2.4 million NIL deal. As a freshman in 2023, Iamaleava performed in simply 5 video games for the Volunteers.
For the 2024 season, Iamaleava was the full-time starter. Tennessee completed 10-2 and made the primary 12-team faculty soccer playoff. The Volunteers misplaced 42-17 to Ohio State within the first spherical. ESPN’s Chris Low reported that Iamaleava requested to redo his contract shortly after Tennessee’s loss to the Buckeyes within the playoffs. His deal was unchanged, and the QB reportedly had his representatives attain out to Oregon forward of Tennessee’s spring recreation final weekend.
The Geese shortly notified Tennessee that Nico Iamaleava was being shopped. This didn’t sit effectively with the Volunteers. Consequently, they determined to chop ties with Iamaleava earlier than he may make an announcement. Iamaleava formally entered the switch portal on Wednesday. Former Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton known as out whoever gave Iamaleava the recommendation to depart Tennessee and search extra money. That will doubtless be his father, who additionally serves as his agent. It’s by no means a good move to have household negotiate for you. Nico Iamaleava may discover out the arduous approach. The place will the 20-year-old play in 2025?
