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Nico Iamaleava's father slams On3 reporter, denies report on NIL negotiations

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeff Hauser | Last updated Apr 11, 2025 5:59 PM ET

The father of Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava is speaking out after reported negotiations over his son's NIL contract became public this week.

Nic Iamaleava took to social media and aired out the situation from his vantage point.

"More games being played off the field than on the field," Nic Iamaleava wrote on X (Formerly Twitter). "... Nakos from @On3sports called and asked me directly, I told him I had no idea on what he's talking about. He said his "close source" that he trusts with his life from the University of Tennessee staff gave him this information. So y'all can ask them what's going on, cuz it ain't from us!"

More games being played off the field than on the field. Bi7ch Nakos from @On3sports called and asked me directly, I told him I had no idea on what he's talking about. He said his "close source" that he trusts with his life from the University of Tennessee staff gave him this
— Coach_Nic (@Nic_Iamaleava) April 11, 2025

There are many layers to the story with Iamaleava reportedly feeling he was undervalued and not getting a fair market deal. It encapsulates the uncertainty with college sports in this NIL era with players able to come and go via the transfer portal.

In 2022, Iamaleava paved the way with an NIL deal worth more than $2 million from Tennessee. The five-star was at the top of the scale, but three years have passed and he's reportedly seeking around $8 million, which would reset the market once again.

Some Vols fans feel Iamaleava is being taken care of better than some other QB in the country. Especially since the Tennessee signal-caller hasn't played at an elite level. While UT made the College Football Playoff, Iamaleava had 2,616 yards, 19 TDs and five interceptions in 2024.

Nico Iamaleava's next public appearance will likely be at Tennessee's Orange and White Spring Game on Saturday at 2 p.m. ET.

Whether Iamaleava receives a new NIL deal or not, both he and Tennessee would like this to be a dead issue soon. The transfer portal opens April 16. We'll see if Iamaleava makes history again in a few weeks.

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

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