As Nico Iamaleeava leaves Tennessee volunteers who were firmly against his zero requirements, it seems that he is losing millions trying to find a new team ahead of the 2025-26 football season.
Iamaleeava’s zero drama with VOLS sent shock waves through college football because he became the first college player to hold a program for a major payout. His deal was allegedly worth up to $ 10 million over several seasons.
Now in the transfer portal, Iamaleeava is looking for a new team, and on3 reported on Tuesday that there are more teams ready to fight for his potential NFL talent.
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Tennessee Volunteers Quarterback Nico Iamaleeava goes off the field after a win against Vanderbilt Commodores at Firstbank Stadium 30 November 2024. (Steve Roberts/IMAGN -Pictures)
However, they are open to a deal closer to $ 1 million.
The 20-year-old was supposed to earn $ 2.2 million with Tennessee in the 2025-26 season through the school’s Nil Collective and Spirre Sports Group.
The deal, which he signed as a high school’s junior, allegedly had the potential to exceed $ 10 million with incentives that included championship and Heisman Trophy winner.
Urban Meyer responds to Nico Iamaleeava -Freaths because of Zero Rift: ‘Tennessee is screwed’
But all this changed when ESPN reported that Iamaleeava was looking for an agreement of about $ 4 million for this season, as other quarterbacks that transferred this year get. One of them was Carson Beck, who left Georgia Bulldogs to join Miami Hurricanes.
Nic Iamaleeava, Nico’s father, denied that his son was pushing for more zero money before the season and told on the front Office sports Monday, “The tale was bulls —.”
Tennessee Quarterback Nico Iamaleeava looks after an open recipient during a game against Ohio State 21 December 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (IMagn)
Nic Iamaleeava also refused on3’s report last week, which mentioned his son, who asked for more money from Tennessee in an X post.
“More games played off the field than on the field,” said Hans Tweet.
Vol’s main coach Josh Heupel’s comments on the case seemed to confirm that Iamaleeava was released for Saturday’s spring game list due to a financial gap.
“No one is ever bigger than the program,” Heupel said. “It also includes me.”
Tennessee Quarterback Nico Iamaleeava leaves the field after a game at Firstbank Stadium in Nashville November 30, 2024. (IMagn)
Iamaleeava allegedly entered the transfer portal on Wednesday with a “Contact” mark after his profile, indicating that he has an idea where he will play next. Oregon is a program that has been linked to Iamaleeava since reports began to emerge about his situation in Tennessee.
