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Big 12 QB turns down Tennessee and $1 million raise to replace Nico Iamaleava

Josh Heupel and Co. reportedly swung and missed here.
ByBraulio Perez|
Nov 23, 2024; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Josh Hoover (10) throws a pass before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
Nov 23, 2024; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Josh Hoover (10) throws a pass before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images | Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

With former Tennessee football quarterback Nico Iamaleava leaving Knoxville, the search is now on for Josh Heupel and his staff to find a new starting quarterback. It's clear the Vols are hoping to bring in someone with starting experience to push for the job.

While the thought of TCU's Josh Hoover being the guy was nice, it's not going to happen. According to Steven Johnson of the Fort-Worth Star Telegram, Heupel and Tennessee put an eye-opening offer on the table for Hoover to join Tennessee, offering him more than $1 million more than what he makes at TCU. Per Johnson, Hoover already makes seven figures, so at minimum, it looks like Tennessee was going to offer him at least $2 million for his NIL deal. However, Johnson said thanks, but no thanks:

Tennessee reportedly offered Josh Hoover a $1 million raise to play for the Vols

"In need of a quarterback, the Volunteers reached out to TCU quarterback Josh Hoover’s representatives according to multiple sources with a strong offer," Johnson wrote. "Tennessee offered Hoover roughly a $1 million more than he currently makes at TCU but Hoover quickly turned down the Vols to remain in Fort Worth. Hoover already has a seven figure salary in Fort Worth. Retaining Hoover is a massive win for TCU as Hoover should be one of the top quarterbacks in the Big 12 and in the country overall."

Going after Hoover makes a ton of sense. He's coming off a fantastic first year starting for the Horned Frogs, throwing for 3,949 yards and 27 touchdowns. The Texas product is now getting ready for his fourth campaign with TCU.

What's next for the Vols? There are still some intriguing options for Heupel, including Notre Dame transfer Steve Angeli. However, Angeli doesn't have the starting experience Hoover does, which is why Heupel and Co. targeted him and put so much dough, per Johnson, out there in the first place.

Jake Merklinger and George MacIntyre remain the only two scholarship quarterbacks on the roster for now, but that's sure to change within the next week or so. Hoover was just one target Tennessee missed out on. There's got to be other signal-callers on Heupel's board he's ready to try and sign.

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