Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Nico Iamaleava Expected to Transfer to UCLA After Tennessee NIL Dispute

The former Tennessee quarterback is negotiating a significantly reduced NIL deal with UCLA following his exit from the Volunteers after a failed $4 million renegotiation bid.

Overview

  • Nico Iamaleava entered the NCAA transfer portal on April 16, 2025, with a 'do not contact' tag, signaling his intent to control discussions with potential programs.
  • Iamaleava is reportedly finalizing a transfer to UCLA, with sources stating the NIL deal will be far below the $4 million he sought from Tennessee.
  • Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel emphasized program integrity, stating 'no one is ever bigger than the program,' as the Volunteers move forward without Iamaleava.
  • Iamaleava’s original NIL deal with Tennessee, signed in 2022, was valued at $8 million with potential incentives reaching $10 million over multiple years.
  • The quarterback’s departure highlights the evolving dynamics of NIL agreements and transfer portal negotiations in college football, setting a new precedent for player-program power balances.