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Nico Iamaleava Addresses Concerning College Football Playoff Allegations

Originally posted on The Spun | By Kameron Duncan | Last updated Apr 19, 2025 12:28 PM ET

It's been an interesting week for former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava. He began by holding out of spring practices, which led to the team parting ways with him.

Iamaleava's holdout was reportedly tied to the amount of NIL compensation he received, and it appeared that Tennessee was unwilling to pay more to keep him. Iamaleava led Tennessee to the College Football Playoff, but new allegations about his play in that game have prompted questions about his commitment.

Some fans alleged that Iamaleava was so checked out of his time at Tennessee that he intentionally played poorly against Ohio State in the Playoff, leading to a loss for the Vols.

“Damn I tried to sit out and throw the playoff game too," Iamaleava said on Instagram, asking sarcastically.

“These boys just make me laugh, man. Ain’t no way,” the quarterback said. He even posted a picture with a teammate, saying "how ima throw this game real quick" as the caption.

Tennessee lost the game 42-17, but there's hardly any shame in losing to the best team in the country. The Buckeyes navigated the first-ever 12-team playoff, defeating Notre Dame in the national title game.

The Volunteers will now look for a new quarterback with Iamaleava gone, and he will attempt to find a new school after officially entering the transfer portal. UCLA is reportedly the frontrunner to sign him, according to The Athletic.

Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) celebrates a touchdown during the first half of the College Football Playoff first round game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Dec. 21, 2024.© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Iamaleava reportedly wanted a new NIL contract from Tennessee that paid over $4 million per year. It's unclear if UCLA or any other schools will meet that number in order to secure a commitment, but it shows the changing reality of college football.

Players are in the transfer portal for a variety of reasons, from NIL to playing time to a simple desire to be closer to home. Iamaleava is one of the highest-profile players in the portal, but he's one of hundreds who will have to make a decision about their immediate future in the coming days.

We'll see what the quarterback decides to do, and we'll see if his transfer saga affects how other players around the country handle their own decisions to negotiate for larger deals.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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