In an unprecedented move that mirrors NFL-style contract standoffs, Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava is reportedly sitting out of spring practices until he secures a sizable bump in his NIL deal from $2 million to a whopping $4 million per year.
ESPN’s Chris Low broke the news on Friday, reporting that the Tennessee football program was caught off guard by the sophomore QB’s decision to withhold participation from voluntary team activities.
According to Low, school officials were “surprised” by Iamaleava’s action but aren’t showing signs of caving in just yet.
“Tennessee officials ‘won’t blink,'” Low reported.
Iamaleava’s holdout comes just days before the NCAA‘s spring transfer portal window opens on April 16. The portal, which remains open through April 25, provides players a short window to explore other programs-possibly leveraging new NIL opportunities elsewhere.
If no agreement is reached, Iamaleava could enter the portal and become one of the most coveted quarterbacks on the market.
This is the first known instance of a college quarterback holding out during spring ball over NIL terms, and it’s already turning heads in the sports world.
The NIL standoff has even NFL players weighing in
Dallas Cowboys star pass rusher Micah Parsons couldn’t stay silent after hearing about Iamaleava’s move. In a sharp reaction on social media, Parsons took aim at the current state of college athletics.
“College football a joke now! Y’all minds well just make college into a semi-pro league! Actually hold players accountable to the contracts they sign!” Parsons tweeted.
His comment reflects a growing sentiment among traditionalists and professionals alike who believe the Name, Image, and Likeness era has pushed college football into uncharted-and, at times, chaotic-territory.
With the lack of a formal contract enforcement system in place, NIL agreements are often subject to renegotiation, especially when player leverage increases.
Iamaleava‘s leverage is undeniable. In his first season as Tennessee’s starter, the former five-star recruit threw for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns, and just five interceptions.
He helped guide the Volunteers to the College Football Playoff before falling to Ohio State. His ceiling is high, and schools looking for a game-changing quarterback would undoubtedly be lining up if he hits the portal.
The California native was one of the most hyped prospects in the 2023 recruiting cycle. According to 247Sports Composite rankings, he was the No. 1 player in his home state, the No. 2 quarterback nationally, and the No. 3 overall prospect regardless of position.
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