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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.

Dec 21, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) throws against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half of the College Football Playoff first round game at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 42-17. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-Imagn Images/File photo
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Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) scores a touchdown against Iowa during the 2024 Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium.
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava, seen before a game between Tennessee and North Carolina State on Sept. 8, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C., was regarded as the top player in the transfer portal. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)

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.