Overview

• Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee's starting quarterback, skipped spring practice on Friday, surprising coaches and teammates.
• Iamaleava is pushing for his NIL deal to increase from $2.4 million to $4 million annually, citing rising market values for top quarterbacks.
• The quarterback's absence highlights growing tension as the spring transfer portal opens April 16, raising the possibility of a transfer if negotiations fail.
• Iamaleava's father publicly denied reports of active negotiations, though multiple sources confirm ongoing talks between his representatives and Tennessee.
• This situation underscores broader shifts in college football, where NIL deals and transfer portal dynamics are reshaping player leverage and institutional stability.