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Former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava became the most high-profile casualty of the NIL era when he left a reported $2.4 million annual contract for UCLA. However, Iamaleava’s push for more money appears to have been a byproduct of a pair of winter transfers resetting the market.
According to ESPN, Iamaleava came to the negotiating table in December seeking to increase his compensation towards $4 million. CBS Sports reported that Miami quarterback Carson Beck and Duke quarterback Darian Mensah each received that total to transfer to their respective schools. Iamaleava’s camp denies that he was seeking $4 million.
Iamaleava’s contract with the Volunteers coming out of high school was one of the first big waves of the NIL era; he signed for a reported $8 million over three years. At the time, it made him one of the highest-paid players in college football. However, the market has adjusted dramatically in the years since and numerous power-conference quarterbacks are now making seven figures.
The rising redshirt sophomore threw for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions during a breakout season in Knoxville. He led the Volunteers to the College Football Playoff for the first time. However, the Vols ultimately decided to move on from Iamaleava.
Winners and losers from Nico Iamaleava saga: QB overplays his hand, UCLA makes a splash, Tennessee will be OK
Cameron Salerno
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Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/source-of-nico-iamaleavas-frustration-rooted-in-massive-nil-deals-for-carson-beck-darian-mensah-per-report/
Author : Shehan Jeyarajah
Publish date : 2025-04-23 15:56:00
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