Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

Transfer Commitment Prediction Made For QB Nico Iamaleava

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Apr 14, 2025 3:00 PM ET

Former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava is in the transfer portal after he and the portal parted ways over the weekend.

Iamaleava, a former five-star recruit, spent two seasons with the Volunteers and was the program's starting quarterback in 2024. The California native had been engaged in a dispute with Tennessee over NIL funding, and held out of Friday's spring practice in pursuit of a more lucrative deal. When that happened, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel decided it was time to move on, saying "no one is bigger than the program."

This program has been around for a long time," Heupel said following the program's spring game Saturday. "There are a lot of great coaches, a lot of great players who came before that laid the cornerstone pieces, the legacy, the tradition that is Tennessee football. It's going to be around a long time after I'm gone and after they're gone."

Despite his unceremonious exit from Knoxville, Iamaleava boasts plenty of talent and has SEC experience, which should make him intriguing for more than a few schools. A report earlier today indicated that UCLA, Tulane and UNC were already showing interest.

Now, a 247Sports Crystal Ball prediction is in forecasting Iamaleava to wind up in Chapel Hill playing for Bill Belichick.

COLUMBUS, OHIO - DECEMBER 21: Quarterback Nico Iamaleava #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers throws the football in action during the College Football Playoff First Round game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images)Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Brendan Sonnone, a Florida State insider for 247Sports, entered his Crystal Ball for Iamaleava in favor of UNC on Monday morning.

The Tar Heels currently have a solid depth chart at quarterback, led by former LSU and Texas A&M signal caller Max Johnson, who started last year's season opener for the Tar Heels before suffering a season-ending injury. Behind Johnson is Purdue transfer Ryan Browne and freshman Bryce Baker, a four-star prospect and top-100 recruit.

Still, Iamaleava would be a major infusion of talent at this point in the offseason. Last year, the 6-foot-6 QB threw for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions, while adding 358 rushing yards and three scores.

If Belichick is okay paying up, this would be a fun marriage to watch next year.

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

More must-reads: