Plenty of eyebrows were raised when it was reported that former Tennessee Vols standout quarterback Nico Iamaleava was looking for around $4 million per year for his next NIL deal. The former 5-star signee has loads of potential, but come on, $4 million?
Tennessee wasn't going to blink in giving him that amount, which now has Iamaleava looking for a new deal elsewhere. However, things haven't been going too smoothly for him and his reps it looks like, which isn't that big of a surprise.
With such a high NIL demand, Pete Nakos is reporting that plenty of programs are waiting to see if Iamaleava will reconsider and take less money. Per Nakos, $1 million, less than half of what Tennessee was going to pay him, is what schools have in mind for the standout QB:
NEW: Multiple schools are waiting to see if Tennessee transfer QB Nico Iamaleava’s NIL demands drop in the coming days, @PeteNakos_ reports📉
— On3 (@On3sports) April 15, 2025
Multiple programs are ready to become contenders if he is open to a deal closer to $1M.https://t.co/OKjW9CvcyQ pic.twitter.com/GsP6iz65v3
Nico Iamaleava could end up taking a pay cut after leaving Tennessee
Iamaleava is likely going to have to accept less money if he wants a serious offer to come in. Where's he going to end up playing, though? In recent days, several teams have been mentioned as a possible landing spot, only for reporters to shoot things down.
Both USC and Notre Dame were considered options, but that appears to be off the table. North Carolina made a lot of sense for him, but UNC has apparently decided against pursuing Iamaleava and the program is prioritizing South Alabama transfer Gio Lopez instead.
UCLA and Tulane have also been mentioned. The Bruins are the hometown school, which would allow for Nico to play in front of his family and friends. As for Tulane? The Green Wave are a member of the AAC, but with such a strong alumni base, the Green Wave could put together a compelling NIL package for Iamaleava to consider. Playing for a non Power 4 team wouldn't be ideal, however.
As for Tennessee, Josh Heupel featured Jake Merklinger and George MacIntyre in the spring game, but he's also expected to go after a new QB in the portal as well. Will a surprise at the position be on the way? Vols fans hope so, but they're also waiting to see where Iamaleava ends up too - and for how much.