Beginning quarterback Nico Iamaleava is out at Tennessee amid a contract dispute, a number of shops reported Saturday.
Tennessee will play its spring Orange & White recreation with out Iamaleava on Saturday, and he’s not with this system, per reviews. Coach Josh Heupel is anticipated to speak in regards to the state of affairs after the sport.
Iamaleava and the varsity had been in discussions over his identify, picture and likeness cash. The Knoxville Information Sentinel reported that Iamaleava, 20, needed a rise from his greater than $2 million annual NIL bundle, with ESPN including he was in search of to double that quantity.
He did not present as much as observe on Friday and isn’t talking with coaches, and that apparently was the ultimate straw for Heupel and Tennessee.
The spring switch portal opens Wednesday, and Iamaleava can enter then. As a redshirt sophomore, he could have three seasons of eligibility remaining.
With out Iamaleava, redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and freshman George MacIntyre transfer into the lead for the beginning job. Heupel additionally may look to the portal for an skilled QB.
ESPN reported that officers from Tennessee’s NIL collective already are involved with representatives for potential 2025 quarterbacks.
Iamaleava performed sparingly as a freshman in 2023 earlier than taking on the beginning position final fall. In his first season as a starter, he accomplished 63.8 p.c of his passes for two,616 yards and 19 touchdowns towards 5 interceptions, main Tennessee to a 10-3 document and a Faculty Soccer Playoff look.
The Vols completed ninth within the remaining AP ballot following their 42-17 first-round loss to eventual champion Ohio State.
When Iamaleava was in highschool in Southern California, 247Sports ranked him because the No. 2 quarterback and the No. 2 participant within the nation, behind Arch Manning, within the Class of 2023.
–Discipline Degree Media
