Former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava is expected to transfer to UCLA, according to numerous reports, after leaving the Vols over a dispute about NIL pay.
Iamaleava’s father, Nic, did not immediately respond to a Knox News request for comment.
It comes after a flurry of schools showed interest but then backed away, presumably because the asking price was too high.
Details of Iamaleava’s NIL deal with UCLA have not been released. NIL deals are between a player and a third party rather than the university, so they are not available via a public records request.
Meanwhile, FOX Sports personality Colin Cowherd reported that the Iamaleava family claims problems with Tennessee’s offense is the reason for the transfer rather than money.
“Nico Iamaleava is going to UCLA,” Cowherd wrote. “Family still claims it’s NOT about the (money bag emoji). It’s about the Vol football offense. I was not told what the Bruins are paying.”
I am told — moments ago — Nico Iamaleava is going to UCLA. Family still claims it’s NOT about the 💰It’s about the @Vol_Football offense. I was not told what the Bruins are paying.
— Colin Cowherd (@colincowherd) April 16, 2025
At Tennessee, Iamaleava sought a renegotiation to his NIL deal, which reportedly paid him more than $2 million per year. ESPN’s Chris Low, citing sources, reported that Iamaleava’s representatives wanted his NIL pay increased to $4 million per year, using the possibility of him entering the portal as leverage.
Nico Iamaleava’s brother de-committed from UCLA
The Iamaleava family may need to mend its relationship with UCLA because of their recent history.
Madden Iamaleava, Nico’s younger brother, was committed to UCLA for more than six months. But the four-star quarterback flipped on signing day on Dec. 4 and instead signed with Arkansas.
According to 247Sports, Madden…
Source link : https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2025/04/16/nico-iamaleava-ucla-transfer-portal-tennessee-football-quarterback/83122847007/
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Publish date : 2025-04-16 21:03:00
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