Less than six months ago, Tennessee's redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava led the Volunteers to their first College Football Playoff berth. On Saturday, ESPN reported the school was done with him.
According to Pete Thamel, head coach Josh Heupel informed the team of the decision on Saturday after Iamaleava missed multiple meetings and spring practice while holding out for a new NIL deal. It's the latest surprising twist in the NIL era of college sports — and leaves Tennessee without a starter expected to contend for the Heisman Trophy again in 2025.
The news is also likely to upend the spring transfer portal window, which opens from April 16 to April 25 with Iamaleava now the likely top name on the market.
Sources: Tennessee is moving on from starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Tennessee coach Josh Heupel informed the team of the decision at a team meeting this morning. Iamaleava missed meetings and practice on Friday, which was the driver of this decision. pic.twitter.com/BsdhJMDXiz
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 12, 2025
In 13 games last season, Iamaleava passed for 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns on five interceptions. He scored another three touchdowns rushing en route to a 10-3 record and first round playoff loss against Ohio State.
Is Jake Merklinger Tennessee's new quarterback?
Jake Merklinger is No. 2 on Tennessee's depth chart, which would put him in line for the top job this season, but it may not be that simple.
The redshirt freshman from Georgia has nine pass attempts under his belt, but earned praise for his poise and development this offseason.
“Going through your first spring as a freshman, your first fall camp as a freshman, you’re drinking from a fire hose right from the rip,” Tennessee offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Joey Halzle said. “So he has a different feel about him out on the field. He’s not pressing. He’s calm. You can see it in the pocket."True freshman George MacIntyre would become QB2 if Tennessee decides to go in-house with Iamaleava's successor, but the Vols could also wait to see who enters the portal next week before making that decision.
Iamaleava is only the first major domino to fall, but others are likely to follow as the next phase of the transfer portal picks up steam.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why Tennessee is moving on from QB Nico Iamaleava
