NIL has created many new trends for college sports. Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava is taking things to another level.
The Vols began spring practice and Iamaleava was a no-show. Yes, we have our first college football holdout.
Tennessee's football people were caught by surprise.
The 6-foot-6, 220-pound Iamaleava is unhappy with his "contract," and wants one worth $4 million.
Sources: Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava did not attend Tennessee spring practice today. He’s been in conversations with Tennessee about a new contract. The no-show of practice came as a surprise. pic.twitter.com/VXsXTPDZpu
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 11, 2025
ESPN.com reported with the portal set to open Wednesday, Iamaleava's representatives were again looking for $4 million, and sources told Pete Thamel that Tennessee "wasn't going to blink and pay him any more money."
Iamaleava's current deal is for $2.4 million per. Tough sledding for a quarterback who threw for all of 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2024.
Tennessee was 10-3 last season, losing to Arkansas, Georgia and Ohio State (in the CFP).
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Tennessee Vols surprised as Nico Iamaleava no-shows at spring practice
