When a big-name quarterback hits the transfer portal, fans usually explode with emotion. Some get angry. Others blame the system. And many take their feelings straight to social media. But when Nico Iamaleava moved from Tennessee to UCLA, analysts say Volunteers fans handled it surprisingly better than expected.
They even compared this calm reaction to how Miami fans recently responded—defensively—to a simple compliment about their success with NIL deals.
Analyst Says Vols Netizens Understood the Game While Miami Fans Took Offense
“They were far less nasty to us than most fan bases would be. Do you imagine if we had the same exact conversation about Nico while he was still the quarterback at Tennessee? I mean, I would have gone into hiding.”
This sentiment captured how Andy & Ari felt about Tennessee fans’ reaction when Nico Iamaleava entered the transfer portal. The former Volunteers quarterback has now committed to UCLA for the upcoming season. He originally signed an $8 million NIL deal over four years at Tennessee but reportedly asked for double that for next season. Tennessee refused, and their relationship fell apart.
Despite the tough situation, Tennessee fans stayed calm and showed more understanding than expected. One analyst noted how Vols fans seemed to fully grasp how college football works in the NIL era. This was in contrast to Miami fans, who recently reacted strongly—even negatively—just to a compliment about how well their program handles NIL rules.
He said, “They’re mad at you for complimenting their program on being run in an efficient manner based on the rules of the day. But Vols Twitter has accepted for years that their program is in this game and in this space, right?”
Instead of lashing out at analysts or denying the business side of the sport, Tennessee supporters embraced reality. They showed maturity. They recognized that, at times, financial gain often outweighs loyalty.
Highlighting the difference, they added, “And even though they’re in a bad spot with Nico, they understand how college football works. So the fact that they are mad at me, I feel like Vols Twitter could counteract that for me.”
Even in disappointment, one analyst joked about how he’d count on Vols fans to have his back, saying, “I like filmed a video of me singing Rocky Top and put it up, and I said, ‘Hey Vols Twitter, I need you.’ Do you think they would line up and be like, ‘What do you need, man?’ And I’d be like, ‘Get those Miami people.’’”
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As the transfer portal continues to change college football, Tennessee’s calm and mature response might be a model for other fan bases. After all, in today’s game, money sometimes wins over loyalty and respect for the team.
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