Things are looking rocky on ol’ Rocky Top.
Years ago, college football players’ priorities were their performance on the field and in the classroom. Now, NIL contracts are keeping players from practicing.
Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava was absent from the Volunteers’ practice on Friday — just a day after reports surfaced that he and program were in the midst of NIL contract negotiations ahead of the Spring transfer portal opening up on April 16.
Nico Iamaleava has played in 18 games in two seasons with Tennessee. Getty Images
With the next round of transfer portal chaos approaching in just days, Iamaleava’s timing is certainly convenient as he could field major NIL offers across the country that may force the Volunteers’ hand in retaining the quarterback.
Reports surfaced that Iamaleava’s father, Nic, was the driving force behind these negotiations — pushing for his son to get more money than his current $3.1 million NIL valuation.
His father denied these claims on X, though.
On3’s Pete Nakos, who originally reported Iamaleava’s negotiations to the public, gave him a phone call, he claimed.
More games being played off the field than on the field. Bi7ch Nakos from @On3sports called and asked me directly, I told him I had no idea on what he’s talking about. He said his “close source” that he trusts with his life from the University of Tennessee staff gave him this
— Coach_Nic (@Nic_Iamaleava) April 11, 2025
“More games being played off the field than on the field,” Nic Iamaleava said. “Bi7ch Nakos from @On3sports called and asked me directly, I told him I had no idea on what he’s talking about. He said his ‘close source’ that he trusts with his life from the University of Tennessee staff gave him this information….
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Publish date : 2025-04-11 19:17:00
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