Urban Meyer, the three-time national title-winning coach formerly at Ohio State and Florida, didn’t mince words in response to Tennessee’s quarterback shake-up following Nico Iamaleava’s departure. “They’re screwed,” Meyer said bluntly. Iamaleava, once a five-star prospect and Tennessee’s 2024 starter, entered the transfer portal amid a dispute over his NIL contract.
He was earning $2.2 million annually as part of a four-year, $8 million deal but demanded $4 million for 2025. Tennessee declined, prompting his exit. Shortly after, Iamaleava committed to UCLA, leaving the Volunteers scrambling to fill a major void at the game’s most critical position.
Urban Meyer Reiterates Tennessee’s Playoff Hopes Took A Major Hit With Nico Iamaleava’s Transfer to UCLA
Urban Meyer isn’t backing down from his assessment of Tennessee’s quarterback situation following Nico Iamaleava’s departure. On a recent episode of The Triple Option podcast, the former Ohio State and Florida head coach doubled down on his blunt take.
“They’re screwed and I’m gonna say it again,” Meyer said. “You let a potential first-rounder — not let — but a potential first-rounder walks out on you, especially the starting quarterback of a team that was in the playoffs. A team, at times, that was really, really good and he was a young quarterback. You know what happens to young quarterbacks? They get better.”
Iamaleava entered the transfer portal after contract talks broke down over a new NIL deal. He was reportedly seeking upwards of $4 million. During negotiations, he stopped participating in practices and team activities. Ultimately, the quarterback transferred to UCLA, leaving Tennessee in scramble mode.
Iamaleava’s 2024 season stats underscored his value: 2,616 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, five interceptions, a 63.8% completion rate, along with 358 rushing yards and three scores on the ground.
Tennessee reached the College Football Playoff but was eliminated in the first round by Ohio State. At the time of his transfer, On3 valued Iamaleava’s NIL worth at $2.1 million, down from a previous high of $3.1 million.
His departure significantly altered the Vols’ outlook. Meyer pointed to Tennessee’s lack of experience at the position:
“Here’s the reality: Tennessee is screwed,” he said. “They got a problem. You lose a potential high draft pick. You have the backup quarterback left last year and now you have a redshirt freshman that threw nine passes as a freshman. You have zero experience, and the portal opens as we speak. They are going to have to go get one.”
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Tennessee responded by bringing in Joey Aguilar, who recently transferred from UCLA after two strong seasons at Appalachian State. In 2023, Joey Aguilar broke school records with 3,757 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, and 4,002 total yards, earning Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year and 2024 all-conference honorable mention honors
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