The Nico Iamaleava Negotiation. That’s one of the biggest college football storylines right now. It’s no longer about the grind on the field and in the classroom. Those days are starting to feel like ancient history. Now, it’s NIL deals, contract negotiations, and million-dollar decisions keeping stars off the practice field — literally. 

Tennessee’s golden boy Nico Iamaleava. He’s supposed to be the guy. Back in 2023, the former 5-star recruit committed to the Vols with what was a jaw-dropping, unheard-of NIL deal — around $8 million, facilitated by Spyre Sports Group, Tennessee’s top-tier recruiting collective. Big money, big expectations. 

Fast forward to now, he’s entering his junior season with a $3.1 million NIL valuation. Reports say he wants that number bumped way up before this season kicks off. Per On3’s Pete Nakos, he and Tennessee are “active in contract negotiations ahead of the 2025 season.” And let’s just say, it’s not all sunshine and orange Gatorade. 

On April 11, Michael Bratton, a.k.a SEC Mike and Paul Finebaum chopped it up on The Paul Finebaum Show. And yeah, that Nico Iamaleava negotiation was front and center. Mike summed it up perfectly: “For people that want Tennessee to do well and like Nico, there’s massive panic. But that’s the problem —” Finebaum didn’t even let him finish and interrupted with “I’m panicking.” Mike kept it real though. “These players are worth what they’re worth, and if Nico were to hit the portal, he’d probably get whatever he’s asking,” he said. “But at the same time, I think it’s unwise to perhaps ruin your reputation with the fan base that supports you. And what is your legacy going to be? Now he’s setting this standard ‘I want more.’ Well, he needs to deliver more on the field. What happens if they give him more and he’s the same quarterback which he was quite average last year in the SEC.” And he’s got a point there. 

Nico Iamaleava’s 2024 season was solid, but not spectacular — 2,616 yards, 19 TDs, five picks, 358 yards and three scores on the ground, and a playoff berth. Sure, Tennessee went 10-3 and made the CFP for the first time in their history. But his showing against Ohio State in that semifinal? He completed only 14 of 31 passes for 104 yards and zero TDs in the 42-17 blowout loss. Let’s just say it didn’t silence the doubters. 

“If that’s what he is again next year, he’s not going to give any of that money back,” Mike added. “I’m not saying he should, but what is his value? I think that remains to be seen.” And just when the whispers were getting louder, Nico Iamaleava straight up missed April 10 spring practice. VolQuest’s Austin Price confirmed it, and it sent shockwaves through the program. Thing is, he was hanging out with the QBs and coaches the night before at QB coach Joey Halzle’s house like nothing was up. Then he goes and ghosts practice the next morning. And here’s where it gets messier.

Nico Iamaleava’s NIL talks spark tension at Tennessee 

Turns out that Nico Iamaleava’s reps were pushing to renegotiate his NIL deal to the “$4 million range” before the winter portal window closed, per ESPN insider Chris Low. And now, with the spring portal window opening on April 16, the timing feels really strategic. As Low reported, “There has been growing frustration among the (Tennessee) administration and players.” Can you blame them? And his no-show at practice only adds fuel to the fire. 

Then there’s Nico Iamaleava’s dad, Nicholaus Sr. Reports said he was the one steering these negotiation talks. But he fired back on X, calling out Pete Nakos, who broke the news. “More games being played off the field than on the field,” he wrote. “Bi7ch Nakos from @On3sports called and asked me directly, I told him I had no idea on what he’s taking 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!” Shots fired. 

And let’s be real. If Nico Iamaleava does jump into the portal, he’d get plenty of attention. But it wouldn’t be the wild feeding frenzy it would’ve been a year ago. Most programs already have their QB plans in motion. So, yes, Tennessee’s in a tight spot. They’ve got a star quarterback with sky-high potential and sky-high demand. Will Nico Iamaleava deliver on either front this season? That’s the million-dollar question there!