Nico Iamaleava faces fan backlash as Tennessee parts ways with him amid NIL deal drama, skipped practices, and looming transfer portal entry.
‘NFL Won’t Touch This Guy’: CFB World Blames Nico Iamaleava’s $4M Tennessee Demand as Transfer Portal Becomes Reality
Tennessee Volunteers Quarterback Nico Iamaleave faces extreme fan backlash after it was announced today that Head Coach Josh Heupel would be moving on from the Quarterback.
This news comes amid ongoing controversy over the details of Iamaleava’s NIL Deal and his current contract negotiations.
What Is the Nico Iamaleave NIL Deal Controversy?
Recently, the Tennessee quarterback has been facing backlash from fans after Pete Nakos reported that the Tennessee quarterback was trying to negotiate a new NIL deal before the transfer portal opens on April 16.
However, the real story behind the situation was that Iamaleava was attempting to renegotiate his deal while wanting to remain in Tennessee. This meant that the Volunteers Quarterback focused on his financial position rather than his career progression.
Iamaleava and Tennessee have previously faced NCAA scrutiny regarding NIL deals. The program allegedly attracted the five-star recruit with the promise of an NIL agreement.
Having signed an NIL deal worth $2 million, Iamaleava is already one of the highest-paid Quarterbacks in NCAA Football. Iamaleave started his first season in 2024 after being redshirted as a freshman. He completed 241 passes for 2,930 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Fan Backlash Following Iamaleave Announcement
According to Pete Thamel, Tennessee chose to move on from the Quarterback primarily because he was skipping practices and meetings amid his NIL Deal negotiations, leading to some extreme backlash from fans of College Football.
“NFL won’t touch this guy, ” one fan wrote underneath the announcement. Iamaleave will not be eligible for the NFL Draft until 2027; however, his release from Tennessee will already have blighted his record.
Another fan pointed out the ridiculousness of the entire story, complaining about how the state of NIL Sponsorships has ruined College Football.
“NIL killed college sports. It used to be fun to watch over professionals because players were competing to make something of themselves to go pro. Now they just play for money, and it’s become boring.” He wrote a sentiment that is echoed by many fans.
While most fans were criticizing the Quarterbacks, some also saw the comedic side of the situation. One post included a hilarious spin on the Quarterback’s name, editing the back of his shirt to say “Immaleave.”
KEEP READING: On3 CFB Reporter Clarifies How Pete Nakos Didn’t Make the Story About Nico Iamaleava Story After Backlash—He Reported It
This will ultimately turn out to be true while Tennessee hosts its annual spring game today. Iamaleava will not be playing and is set to enter the transfer portal when it opens next week.
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