In the wake of quarterback Nico Iamaleava’s surprising departure, Tennessee football has responded with urgency and determination, launching a “savage” strategy in the transfer portal. Faced with a void at quarterback, the Volunteers are targeting experienced transfer options, including Joey Aguilar and Steve Angeli, while also bolstering their roster with key positions like defensive line.
Despite the challenges of the late spring portal window, Tennessee’s aggressive approach reflects its resilience and commitment to staying competitive in the SEC and nationally for the 2025 season.
Tennessee Goes Savage in Transfer Portal
The Tennessee football program has responded with remarkable urgency following quarterback Nico Iamaleava’s shocking departure, launching what many are calling a “savage” approach to the transfer portal. The Volunteers’ coaching staff, faced with a sudden void at the most important position on the field, immediately began arranging visits with top transfer targets in an effort to stabilize their roster for the upcoming 2025 season.
Tennessee Turns to QB and WR Options After Nico Iamaleava Fallout
“Obviously, we’re moving forward as a program without him… there’s no one that’s bigger than the Power T and that includes me. And (the players) hear me say that a lot inside of that team room. This program has been around for a long time… It’s going to be around a long time after I’m done and after they’re gone.”
Head coach Josh Heupel’s candid statement reflects Tennessee’s determination to move past the Iamaleava situation. According to reports from On3 and The Athletic, Iamaleava’s exit stemmed from a contract dispute related to his NIL deal, with the quarterback reportedly skipping practice to negotiate a new package before ultimately transferring to UCLA.
Left with only two scholarship quarterbacks – redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and true freshman George MacIntyre – Tennessee has targeted experienced options, including Aguilar, who recently transferred from Appalachian State to UCLA but is back in the portal. Aguilar threw for over 3,000 yards in each of his two seasons at App State and led the Sun Belt in passing last year.
“Tennessee is expected to be interested in Joey Aguilar… the two sides will meet on Monday,” reported ESPN’s Chris Low.
Notre Dame’s Angeli has also emerged as a target. Though primarily a backup with the Fighting Irish, Angeli gained valuable experience, including playing time in a College Football Playoff semifinal. As Sports Illustrated noted, “Tennessee is on the search for a new starting quarterback following Nico Iamaleava’s departure to UCLA… the Volunteers aren’t exactly in a place where they can be overly picky at the position.”
Portal Strategy Reflects Program’s Resilience and Resources
“Signing a QB with legitimate experience is critical. But if the Vols can’t swipe someone else’s starter, who remains in the portal for them?”
Tennessee’s aggressive portal strategy extends beyond the quarterback. According to Locked On Vols, the program is actively pursuing defensive linemen Maraad Watson and Mason Nelson to bolster its front line depth.
Their approach showcases both the program’s resilience and the challenges of navigating the late spring portal window. Despite setbacks, including TCU quarterback Josh Hoover reportedly turning down a lucrative offer to remain with the Horned Frogs, Tennessee continues leveraging its recent College Football Playoff appearance and robust NIL resources to attract talent.
The timing presents significant challenges, as most programs have completed spring practice and are reluctant to lose key players at this stage. Nevertheless, Tennessee’s swift action in arranging visits and making competitive offers has kept them in contention for impact transfers.
As the portal window remains open, the Volunteers’ response to Iamaleava’s departure demonstrates their refusal to let one player’s exit derail their ambitions.
KEEP READING: UCLA Football Transfer Portal: Latest Updates on Who’s In and Who’s Out
Their current quarterback room may consist of talented but untested players in Merklinger and MacIntyre, but the addition of an experienced transfer could provide the immediate competition and stability needed to keep Tennessee competitive in the SEC and nationally for the 2025 season.
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