Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava is reportedly renegotiating his NIL deal, which is currently worth upward of $2 million, creating buzz in the college football world.
According to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, Iamaleava is currently ranked as the eighth-best quarterback in the NCAA heading into next season.
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Will Boling Fires Back at Critics of Tennessee Quarterback
According to ON3’s Pete Nakos, the Tennessee quarterback is reportedly trying to negotiate a new NIL deal before the transfer portal opens on April 16.
In the past, quarterbacks like Miami’s Carson Beck secured significant deals worth over $4 million. However, Beck had to enter the transfer portal from Georgia to obtain that level of compensation.
Iamaleava is currently attempting to renegotiate his deal while reportedly wanting to remain at Tennessee. This is notable because the quarterback is said to have a strong relationship with the Volunteers’ coaching staff.
Will Boling, host of “Raymon Kayla and Will,” recently defended Iamaleava on Twitter amidst the situation, criticizing the current system.
“Don’t blame Nico Iamaleava for wanting a new NIL deal. Blame the system that allows new negotiations every year…and doesn’t require that *actual agents* broker those deals,” Boling wrote.
Iamaleava and Tennessee have faced previous scrutiny from the NCAA regarding NIL deals. The program was allegedly involved in attracting the five-star recruit with the promise of an NIL agreement.
Having signed an NIL deal worth $2 million, Iamaleava started his first season in 2024 after being redshirted as a freshman. He completed 241 passes for 2,930 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Nico Iamaleava’s Father Had “No Idea” About NIL Negotiations
Amidst the ongoing discussion surrounding his son, Nico Iamaleava’s father, Nic, was recently questioned about the news and denied any involvement in his son’s business affairs.
“More games being played off the field than on the field,” Nic wrote on X. “Nakos from @On3sports called and asked me directly, I told him I had no idea on what he’s talking about. He said his ‘close source’ that he trusts with his life from the University of Tennessee staff gave him this information. So y’all can ask them what’s going on, cuz it ain’t from u.”
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With Tennessee holding its annual Orange-and-White game on Saturday, there has been no indication that the contract discussions are affecting Iamaleava’s performance on the field. The Volunteers’ quarterback has fully participated in spring practice and is expected to start in the team’s spring game.
After reaching the playoffs last season with Iamaleava leading the offense, Tennessee is anticipated to make every effort to retain the quarterback.
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