‘No one is bigger than the program,’ University of Tennessee quarterback kicked off team after NIL dispute
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Tennessee Volunteers football coach Josh Heupel informed his players and media that quarterback Nico Iamaleava will not return to the team this upcoming season.
The decision resulted from NIL contract discussions falling through and escalated when the quarterback did not attend Friday’s practice.
The quarterback was seeking an increase in his NIL contract from $2.4 million to $4 million.
This comes a day before the team’s Spring football game that will take place Saturday afternoon.
“It’s the state of college football. At the end of the day, no one is ever bigger than the program”, Coach Heupel said on the Vol Network.
Iamaleava is entering the transfer portal to seek a new home for next season in his sophomore year.
In his first year as a starter, Iamaleava threw for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions on a 63.8% completion rate.
Despite finishing 10-3, the offense led by Iamaleava was ranked 9 in a 16-team conference.
Should the Volunteers stay put, Jake Merklinger will be the likely starter next season with freshman George MacIntrye also in the quarterback room.
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