On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
Tennessee moving on from starting QB Nico Iamaleava
Nico Iamaleava was supposed to be the next great quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers, and for a time, it appeared that he was on track.
He's a former 5-star recruit ranked as the No. 2 quarterback in the 2023 class behind only Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning. In his first full season as a starter, he threw for 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns (five interceptions) while rushing for 358 yards and three touchdowns.
He helped the Volunteers qualify for the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, and now, shockingly, Tennessee is moving on from Iamaleava as he enters the transfer portal.
Sources: Tennessee is moving on from starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Tennessee coach Josh Heupel informed the team of the decision at a team meeting this morning. Iamaleava missed meetings and practice on Friday, which was the driver of this decision. pic.twitter.com/BsdhJMDXiz
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 12, 2025
Iamaleava and Tennessee were allegedly in active "contract negotiations" ahead of the 2025 season.
Those negotiations apparently didn't go well because he missed a practice and a team meeting on Friday, leading head coach Josh Heupel to move on from the starting quarterback.
Iamaleava seemed to try to "hold out" like his NFL counterparts, but Heupel and Tennessee didn't want to play the game.
Despite this, Iamaleava will be the most sought-after player on the transfer portal until his next commitment.
More must-reads:
- CFB world reacts to Tennessee's big move with QB Nico Iamaleava
- Tennessee HC Josh Heupel has telling comment on Nico Iamaleava controversy
- The 'NFL mascot names' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
TODAY'S BEST
Texas Commit Tyler Atkinson Releases Steve Sarkisian Official Offer Message
2026 linebacker Tyler Atkinson committed to the Texas Longhorns on July 15, announcing his decision live on the Pat McAfee Show. Atkinson chose the Longhorns over the Oregon Ducks, Clemson Tigers and his home-state Georgia Bulldogs. A five-star ranked as the No. 1 linebacker and No. 11 player nationally in the 247Sports Composite, Atkinson is the second-highest rated player in Texas' upcoming class according to the composite, behind quarterback Dia Bell. On Saturday, Atkinson released a hype video on X that opened with a special message from head coach Steve Sarkisian. Texas Longhorns' Sarkisian message for Atkinson "Tyler, what's up, man! How about this -- today is the day I get to officially get to offer you a scholarship to the University of Texas. I'm so fired up for you and your family. I also want to wish you the best of luck this upcoming season on your quest to be back-to-back state champs. Hook 'em buddy," Sarkisian said in the message. August 1 of players' high school senior year is the first day that college programs can give recruits their formal scholarship offers, explaining the announcements across social media in recent days. Other Texas commits like Bell and Derrek Cooper released written letters from Sarkisian on X about their offers, but Atkinson choose to share Sarkisian's words in a unique video format. Here is the full video: Attending Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia, Atkinson set a school record with 197 total tackles in his sophomore year. Then, he amassed 166 total tackles, 32 tackles for loss and 13 sacks as a junior to propel his team to the Georgia 6A state title. He was named the 2024 MaxPreps National Junior of the Year. The 6'2, 210-pound linebacker will look build on those statistical achievements in his final high school year and, as Sarkisian said, help Grayson defend its state championship. With his hometown less than 40 miles away from the University of Georgia campus in Athens, Atkinson's commitment to the Longhorns over the Bulldogs was a massive win for Sarkisian and inside linebackers coach Johnny Nansen, who was Atkinson's primary recruiter for Texas. OnTexasFootball's CJ Vogel reported on June 22, following Atkinson's visit to Austin, that the Longhorns pitched Atkinson being their "quarterback of the defense," and the time he spent with Anthony Hill Jr., who currently plays that role in Austin, was a highlight of his trip. Atkinson can now officially be recognized as a successor to Hill in the Texas defense. When asked by McAfee why he chose Texas, Atkinson stated: "What really chose me to go to Texas is the coaches, the relationship piece, the atmosphere," he said. "You know, I feel like I just can accomplish everything I want at Texas. I just feel like the way [they're] going to have me playing is the best fit." Atkinson's decision is a testament to Texas's success in the southeastern region on the recruiting trail, especially since joining the SEC. The Longhorns have now secured very highly-touted recruits from the Peach State two years in a row with Justus Terry and Atkinson, and have shown effectiveness in Florida with Bell, Cooper and others. The Longhorns also have commits from Alabama (Vodney Cleveland), Louisiana (Dylan Berymon, Hayward Howard Jr.), North Carolina (Samari Matthews) and Mississippi (Corey Wells) in their 2026 class. Texas is up to No. 6 in the Composite team rankings with its additions from the past few weeks.
Surprising Marlins earn MLB first in sweep of Yankees
The Miami Marlins achieved a franchise first on Sunday. In doing so, they carved out an interesting place in MLB history. With a 7-3 victory over the Yankees, the Marlins swept New York for the first time in a series of three or more games. In doing so, the Marlins became the only team to have a winning record, including the postseason, against the Yankees. The Yankees now have a 22-21 record against the Marlins in the regular season. However, the Marlins won the 2003 World Series against the Yankees in six games, giving the Fish a 25-24 record all-time. The Marlins' victory on Sunday meant more than a unique place in baseball history. That victory evened the Marlins' record at 55-55, the first time they have been at .500 or better since April 15 (8-8). The Marlins are 30-14 in their last 44 games, tying the 2003 championship team for the best stretch (last done from June 18-Aug. 9) in franchise history. The Marlins defied expectations at the trade deadline, holding on to pitchers Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera. Their only trade involved sending outfielder Jesus Sanchez to Houston, acquiring pitcher Ryan Gusto and a pair of prospects. Expectations were that the Marlins were simply waiting for the offseason to trade those pitchers, as there may be a larger market. Instead, the generally inexperienced Marlins roster is growing and improving by the day. They have clawed back from a 24-40 start to the season to pull themselves into the NL wild-card conversation. Although a lot would need to go right for the Marlins to reach the playoffs this season, they could be a dangerous team over the rest of the season and beyond. The Yankees found that out the hard way.
Bills GM says James Cook decision was 'disappointing'
On Monday, Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane responded to James Cook's decision not to practice with the team on Sunday. Cook, who had been practicing with the Bills through training camp until that point amid contract negotiations, told ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg that he made a "business" decision not to practice with his teammates. During an appearance on WGR 550, Beane said the team did not know of Cook's plan until right before practice. He was disappointed that the situation deteriorated to a point where the star running back felt the need to miss a practice. "There's been constant communication between the two sides....at the end of the day I wish we weren't here," Beane said, via WGR's Sal Capaccio. "This is my ninth season and have never had a player miss practice due too a contract, so it's disappointing for me." Beane doesn't believe Cook's negotiations will cause a distraction in the locker room unless players "let it become" a distraction. The negotiations between the Bills and Cook could continue past training camp. "We'd love to keep him, but I have to make sure it all fits under an umbrella, not in a silo... If we don't get something done now it doesn't mean we can't before (Cook) becomes a free agent," Beane said. Cook is looking for a $15 million per year deal after earning his second consecutive Pro Bowl appearance and earning the NFL rushing touchdowns co-leader (tied with Derrick Henry and Jahmyr Gibbs with 16) in 2024. Beane said he isn't taking a hard line on not paying Cook because he's a running back, saying the Bills want to sign him at the "sweet spot." The Bills need the "sweet spot" to come sooner rather than later. It's common for teams to deal with sit-outs and holdouts during the preseason. What Buffalo doesn't want is a distraction during the regular season or postseason, and that could be where this is headed.
UDFA ready to carry Dallas Cowboys offense on his back
The Dallas Cowboys ground game has gotten a lot of attention this offseason. Following their struggles to run the ball in 2024, Dallas signed Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders in free agency. They also added two rookies in the 2025 NFL draft, taking Jaydon Blue from Texas in the fifth round and Phil Mafah from Clemson in the seventh. While all the attention seems to be focused on their new additions, the coaching staff has been spending time working with one of the returning backs, Hunter Luepke. According to The Athletic’s Jon Machota, coaching staff has been thoroughly impressed with Luepke, and they’re using him at multiple positions. His role has become so versatile that Luepke claims he plays “everything” on offense, while adding that he will do whatever is asked of him. “Any way I can be on the field, I’m going to try to do it. Whatever they ask me to do, I’m going to do it. … Coach is trying to be as multiple as possible out there, so I just think me being able to play multiple positions and being able to shift and move around and see different IDs, or go in on pass pro for running backs, run routes with tight ends, the more you can do, the better for this offense. And I think I can do that.” — Luepke, via Machota Undrafted out of North Dakota State in 2023, Luepke has been used sparingly on offense through two seasons. He has just 57 yards and one touchdown on 18 attempts and 129 yards receiving on 15 receptions. Despite the small sample size, his versatility stands out every offseason. That said, it appears new head coach Brian Schottenheimer might be willing to put more on his plate in 2025.
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
