Reports: Vols QB Nico Iamaleava out of practice amid NIL talks

Field Level Media|published: Fri 11th April, 20:53 2025

Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) walks off the field after the win over Kentucky after an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn.

Tennessee football received a surprise when quarterback Nico Iamaleava opted not to attend Friday's spring practice, according to multiple media reports.

Iamaleava, 20, is attempting to negotiate for more NIL money, per On3.com, with his absence presumably tied to those conversations.

Tennessee is scheduled to hold its Orange & White Spring Game Saturday, while the spring transfer portal window opens on Wednesday.

The current situation might qualify as one of college football's first-ever contract holdouts.

ESPN reported that Iamaleava's existing deal, which is scheduled to pay him more than $8 million over his entire college career, is being rejected by Iamaleava and his camp, who desire $4 million a season instead.

Iamaleava played sparingly as a freshman in 2023 before taking over the starting role last fall. In his first season as a starter, he completed 63.8 percent of his passes for 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns against five interceptions, leading Tennessee to a 10-3 record and a College Football Playoff appearance.

The Vols finished ninth in the final AP poll following their 42-17 first-round loss to eventual champion Ohio State.

--Field Level Media