Nico Iamaleava transfer: Josh Heupel reveals new details on rift with QB

The Nico Iamaleava era was a short-lived one in Knoxville. A period Tennessee fans had been waiting for since Iamaleava committed during the recruiting process, the Vols will have a new starting quarterback in 2025. Iamaleava is set to enter the NCAA transfer portal and play elsewhere for the rest of his college career.

Saturday has been the first time Josh Heupel addressed the situation, answering all kinds of questions about the timeline. One was when he personally knew when Tennessee would be without Iamaleava moving forward. He responded with “Friday morning when he was a no-show” to practice the day before Tennessee’s spring game.

Apparently, there has been no communication between Heupel and Iamaleava in recent hours either. Despite the two reportedly having a great relationship with one another.

“Josh Heupel said he has not communicated with Nico Iamaleava since he decided the UT program would move on,” Adam Sparks of The Knoxville News Sentinel said via X.

On3’s Pete Nakos was the first to break the news regarding Iamaleava being in negotiations with Tennessee regarding a new NIL deal. Just one day later, reports emerged of the quarterback skipping practice. At that moment, Heupel knew there was going to be some turnover.

Saturday morning brought the news of Tennessee turning a new page. Iamaleava is now on the open market for the first time as a college player.

Robert Griffin III calls for equal criticism between coaches, players amid Nico Iamaleava situation

The situation that’s arisen regarding Nico Iamaleava and Tennessee over the past few days has drawn the opinion of many throughout the football world. Former Heisman winner and NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III had something to say regarding the dissolution of the relationship between the 20-year-old and the Vols.

The star quarterback is headed to the into the NCAA Transfer Portal after NIL negotiations turned ugly over the past couple of days. Griffin III believes the situation is a bit more nuanced than Iamaleava being selfish. He thinks it’s exposing a double standard in the world of college football.

“The Nico Iamaleava situation is an interesting one. Player wants more money and the team doesn’t want to pay, so the player enters the transfer portal,” Griffin III posted on X. “If you are screaming that the players should honor their contract and commitment to the school, then you better say the same for Coaches who leave for more money and a better opportunity.”

On3’s Nick Kosko contributed to this report