Various speculations have suggested that former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava might transfer to the University of Colorado to play for Deion Sanders due to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) concerns.
Deion Sanders Shuts Down Nico Iamaleava Transfer Rumors Amid NIL Controversy
Sanders, often known as Coach Prime, has made his position crystal clear and addressed the speculation.
“Not True. & God bless we Good,” Sanders said in a tweet.
Not True. & God bless we Good https://t.co/qo5t2u4nCV
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) April 13, 2025
This brief remark not only clarifies transfer speculations but also demonstrates Sanders’ dedication to his team’s present roster and recruitment philosophies.
Iamaleava has been a prominent topic of conversation in recent days following an acrimonious departure from Tennessee. Multiple reports revealed that he wished to have his salary for the upcoming season exceed $4 million.
While Colorado has done an excellent job recruiting the transfer portal under Sanders, targeting Iamaleava makes no sense for plenty of reasons. First, incoming freshman Julian “JuJu” Lewis and Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter are making strides in their bid to replace Shedeur Sanders, who is off to the NFL.
Salter’s experience makes him the likely winner of the competition this year, but the Buffs have invested heavily in developing Lewis into their future quarterback.
ALSO READ: QB Jackson Arnold Cites Adversity at OU as Catalyst for Transfer Portal Move to Auburn
Furthermore, even if Colorado were looking for a starting quarterback through the transfer portal, Iamaleava’s high NIL requirements would not be met in Boulder. Despite the publicity that Coach Prime attracts, the Buffs do not have nearly the same NIL budget as Tennessee.
With Colorado officially out of the picture, Iamaleava has one less prominent program to choose from as he hunts for his future home.
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