How Nico Iamaleava informed Tennessee he would transfer
Tennessee will close 2025 spring football practices with its annual Orange & White Game Saturday. Kickoff for the contest is scheduled for 2 p.m. EDT at Neyland Stadium.
Tennessee redshirt sophomore quarterback Nico Iamaleava will not play in the game and will enter the NCAA transfer portal. He did not attend Friday’s final spring practice.
“Tennessee is moving on from starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava,” Pete Thamel of ESPN said. “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.”
Chris Low of ESPN also announced how Iamaleava informed Tennessee he would not be returning to play for the Vols.
“Iamaleava notified Tennessee OC Joey Halzle late Friday night he had completed his paperwork and was entering the portal next week, sources told ESPN,” Low said. “This after Josh Heupel and multiple staffers had tried to reach Iamaleava and/or his reps to no avail for a day and a half.”
PHOTOS: Tennessee QBs through the years
The Vols were 10-3 last season (6-2 SEC) and qualified for the College Football Playoff for the first time in school history.
In 2024, Iamaleava started all 13 games. He completed 213-of-334 passing attempts for 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns. Iamaleava also totaled 358 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 109 rushing attempts.
