Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava is reportedly set to enter the NCAA transfer portal, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. Iamaleava was gearing up for his second year as the starting quarterback after playing a pivotal role in leading the Volunteers to a College Football Playoff berth in 2024.
Iamaleava initially served as the backup to Joe Milton during his freshman year before stepping into the starting role in his sophomore season. He made an immediate impact on the field, showcasing his talent and leadership for Tennessee.
During the 2024 campaign, Iamaleava threw for 2,616 yards, recorded 19 touchdown passes, and was intercepted five times. His performance helped guide the Volunteers to a solid 10-3 season and a spot in the first round of the CFP, marking one of the program’s strongest showings in recent years.
Nico Iamaleava participated in spring practice with Tennessee, and according to On3’s Pete Nakos, he and the program were in active negotiations regarding a new NIL contract ahead of the annual Orange and White spring game. However, Iamaleava was absent from practice the day before the scrimmage, and it has since been confirmed that he will enter the NCAA transfer portal during the spring window from April 16 to 25.
Iamaleava arrived at Tennessee with high expectations, having been one of the most highly touted recruits in the 2023 class. A product of Downey (Calif.) Warren High School, he was a five-star prospect and ranked No. 6 overall in the On3 Industry Ranking, which combines ratings from all major recruiting services. Additionally, he earned the distinction of being the No. 1 overall player in the On300 Rankings.
His first career start came in the Citrus Bowl as a freshman, where he impressed against a top-tier Iowa defense. In that game, Iamaleava completed 12 of 19 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 27 yards and three scores. That breakout performance solidified his role as Tennessee’s future quarterback and offered a glimpse of his potential in Josh Heupel’s up-tempo offensive system.
Nico Iamaleava stands as one of the most recognizable names in college football, both for his on-field potential and his marketability in the NIL era. He burst onto the scene as one of the most high-profile recruits in the country and currently holds an On3 NIL Valuation of $3.1 million, placing him No. 12 in the On3 NIL 100 and No. 9 among all college football players.
His massive NIL value brought national attention to his recruitment, as he became one of the faces of the new era of college athletics. One of the most notable moments came when The Athletic reported Iamaleava had signed a groundbreaking NIL deal with Spyre Sports Group potentially worth $8 million over three years, a figure that helped reshape the NIL landscape.
Spyre Sports, the collective backing Iamaleava’s deal, was ranked No. 2 in On3’s list of top NIL collectives in college football heading into the 2024 season. The deal not only solidified Iamaleava’s elite status as a player but also underscored the growing influence of NIL collectives in shaping the future of college football recruiting and roster building.
Nico Iamaleava expanded his NIL portfolio with high-profile partnerships ahead of the 2024 season, most notably teaming up with Beats by Dre and joining a campaign with The Dairy Alliance. These deals further elevated his national profile and marketability.
As the season progressed, Iamaleava’s success on the field and growing brand presence led to a significant rise in his NIL value. His On3 NIL Valuation jumped from $1.2 million to $2.1 million, reflecting his increasing influence and appeal in the college sports world.
These endorsements, along with his performance and visibility, helped position Iamaleava as one of the most valuable and recognizable athletes in the NIL era, paving the way for his current valuation of $3.1 million.
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