Brianna Paciorka/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Nico Iamaleava Under Fire After NIL Dispute With Tennessee

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kevin Borba | Last updated Apr 11, 2025 12:53 PM ET

The moment athletes were able to profit off of their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) was the moment that college athletics changed forever.

What was supposed to be athletes signing deals with brands or companies to benefit from their personal brand while in college, has turned into athletes holding programs hostage over money.

An unpleasant experience that the Tennessee Volunteers are currently going through with star quarterback, Nico Iamaleava. According to On3's Pete Nakos, Iamaleava and the program are in "active" contract negotiations. A development that Austin Price of On3's Volquest reported on Friday led to Iamaleava holding out of spring practice.

UPDATE: Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava was not at practice this morning, per Volquest's @AustinPriceless https://t.co/2kWQHNNrYI https://t.co/IeimvEvYAy pic.twitter.com/rSC8VRQ6Or
— On3 (@On3sports) April 11, 2025

As expected, fans around college football were not pleased with the former five-star's decision.

"They need to drop him and move on. This sitting out is foolish. And best believe NFL scouts and ownership are watching and taking note of it," wrote one fan.

"If I were the head coach, I’d cut him," suggested another.

"Terrible season and being a diva is crazy," chimed in a third.

"What is happening to the sport I used to love," questioned one fan.

"Who does he think he is," asked another.

"College players holding out for more NIL money. We lost the plot so, so long ago," implored one user.

According to ESPN's Chris Low, Iamaleava’s team demanded that Tennessee bump his deal "upped to $4 million" from the reported $2.2-$2.5 that Nakos says his contract is currently valued at.

Low also reported that there is a "growing frustration" among the administration and his teammates regarding the ordeal, and that it only got worse following his skipping of practice.

The one thing that is not known at this time is whether or not this will lead to Iamaleava’s entry into the NCAA transfer portal, which is set to open on April 16. This has the makings of a wild ride regardless of the outcome.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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