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Nico Iamaleava Transfers to UCLA as Joey Aguilar Heads to Tennessee

The quarterback moves highlight the shifting dynamics of NIL negotiations and transfer portal mechanics in college football.

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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Overview

  • Nico Iamaleava, former Tennessee quarterback, officially committed to UCLA, marking a return to his home state of California.
  • Iamaleava's departure from Tennessee followed a dispute over his NIL contract, with his representatives reportedly seeking to increase his annual pay from $2.4 million to $4 million.
  • Tennessee coach Josh Heupel announced the program's decision to move forward without Iamaleava after he missed practice and failed to communicate with the team.
  • Joey Aguilar, who joined UCLA from Appalachian State in December, entered the transfer portal after Iamaleava's commitment and is now set to join Tennessee as their likely starting quarterback.
  • The near-simultaneous quarterback moves underscore the evolving power of players in reshaping college football rosters through NIL leverage and the transfer portal.