The spring transfer portal window, running from April 16 to April 25, 2025, has initiated significant roster changes for the Tennessee Volunteers and UCLA Bruins.
With high-profile talents like quarterback Nico Iamaleava departing from Knoxville, the transfer portal this season may make some big waves in the team’s roster before it closes. Here’s the latest on who is out and who is in for the Tennessee Volunteers.
Who’s Transferring Out of Tennessee?
QB Nico Iamaleava
Former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava, a redshirt sophomore, committed to UCLA on Sunday, April 20, after entering the transfer portal on April 16 with a “do not contact” designation.
In his first full season as Tennessee’s starter in 2024, Iamaleava threw for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns, and five interceptions, leading the Volunteers to a 10-3 record and a College Football Playoff appearance. His transfer followed a dispute over his NIL deal, with his representatives seeking a raise from $2.2–$2.4 million to around $4 million annually, which Tennessee declined.
UCLA, coming off a 5-7 season in their first Big Ten campaign under coach Deshaun Foster, views Iamaleava as the frontrunner to replace departed starters Ethan Garbers and Justyn Martin, who transferred to Maryland.
DB John Slaughter
Defensive back John Slaughter, a redshirt freshman, entered the transfer portal last week. A three-star prospect from Southaven, Mississippi, Slaughter played in four games during the 2024 season, primarily on special teams, recording two tackles.
With four years of eligibility remaining, he is likely to attract interest from Group of Five or FCS programs seeking secondary depth.
WR Dayton Sneed
Wide receiver Dayton Sneed also entered the portal on April 16, 2025. Sneed, a redshirt sophomore, is from Tennessee but might look at out-of-state.
Who’s Transferring Into Tennessee?
QB Joey Aguilar
Quarterback Joey Aguilar entered the transfer portal on April 21, 2025, following Iamaleava’s commitment to UCLA on April 20. Aguilar, who transferred to UCLA from Appalachian State in December 2024, threw for 6,760 yards, 56 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions over two seasons at App State, adding 452 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
He participated in UCLA’s spring practices under new offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri and was initially positioned to compete for the starting role. However, Iamaleava’s arrival shifted the quarterback dynamics, resulting in Aguilar’s departure.
College Football Transfer Portal Recap: Biggest Question Marks After Week 1 Include Nico Iamaleava-less Tennessee
He finalized a deal to transfer to Tennessee on April 21, 2025, creating a quarterback swap between the Volunteers and Bruins.
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