Latest news with #Iamaleava
Miami Herald
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Tennessee looks forward, forgives QB lost to portal
In a transfer portal plot gone wrong, Nico Iamaleava was not with the Tennessee Volunteers at SEC Media Days on Tuesday in Atlanta and head coach Josh Heupel flushed the majority of his thoughts on the matter -- for the most part. Heupel and Tennessee reloaded since the apparent negotiating ploy by Iamaleava was flipped into a farewell letter by the Vols. And at the end of the day, as Heupel says, the Vols are just fine with the way it turned out. "Ultimately at the end of the day, it's never about who's not in your building but about who is in your building. For us, you can lose a quarterback at a lot of different times: December transfer portal, spring transfer portal. You can lose one week 1, first quarter of the ballgame in your opener, and now you're on to number two through injury, right? You've got to have the next-man-up mentality," Heupel said Tuesday. "At the end of the day, having guys that want to compete along with their brothers inside of that locker room, building that connection, but also having the right guys in there. At the end of the day, I'm really excited about who we have in there. The addition of Joey to who's already inside of that group, highly competitive guys that are smart, that have the physical traits to be successful. Teammates have grown to have great trust in those guys through the course of this off-season during the summer, and now it's about getting to training camp and going and competing. Somebody is going to earn the opportunity to be our starting quarterback through that process." Heupel said expectations are unchanged even if his quarterback will be different. He also admitted losing Iamaleava was difficult "in that moment" for players. Leadership, including from Heupel, opted for "immediate" and "transparent" communication with players about the decision to help them cope with the change and tried to answer any question for which he had answers. Now he said he's interested in finding answers in fall camp to questions with too many variables to answer six weeks before the season kicks off. Joey Aguilar, redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and true freshman George MacIntyre are the competitors fighting to replace Iamaleava. "We will have a competition at the quarterback position, three guys inside of that room, really proud of what they've done," he said. "Joey, since he got there in May, Merklinger and George MacIntyre." Iamaleava gets a chance to tell his side of the story July 24 at Big Ten media days, but only if he chooses to do so. He reportedly received a $2 million per year NIL deal to transfer to UCLA. The former five-star recruit played 18 games at Tennessee. When he landed with the Bruins, it left Aguilar, who had transferred to UCLA, to go shopping for another new home. When Tennessee starts the season in Atlanta against Syracuse on August 30, the Vols might have more than one quarterback in the mix. "We've found a way to win with a lot of different quarterbacks throughout my career on the offensive side of the ball," Heupel said. "We're going to find a way to win with the guy that earns a starting spot as we go through training camp here in August." Aguilar, a transfer from Appalachian State, endeared himself to team leaders quickly. He impressed junior linebacker Arion Carter in practices and workouts as decisive and willing to take risks to make plays, even if there are some tremors felt around the Tennessee program by players closest to their former quarterback. "Having a guy like that leave with such character and such poise was a hard thing to do. But nobody's bigger than the program. We wish him the best where he is at. And I hope he has a great career and goes on to do great things," Carter said Tuesday. "I feel it didn't waiver from the agenda we had to step forward and do, especially with the new guys we have set, with the three quarterbacks in our room, with George, Jake and Joey. "I feel we were able to crowd around those guys early and get those guys ready and prepare them over this course of these last few weeks. And these next few weeks going into fall and training camp for this 2026 season I feel very well where we're standing, but we have a lot to do and a lot to prove still." Defensive tackle Nico Eason said he remains good friends with Iamaleava and wishes him "nothing but the best." "His decision was his decision. I'm still rooting for him," Eason said. "I'm hoping everything goes his way. There's no hate at all toward Nico." --Field Level Media Field Level Media 2025 - All Rights Reserved
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Urban Meyer Gives Unfiltered Take on Nico Iamaleava's Controversial UCLA Switch
Seemingly overnight, Nico Iamaleava went from one of the top quarterbacks with one of the best college football programs in the country to a player who perhaps gave away a great opportunity for no reason. Iamaleava was the crown jewel of the Tennessee Volunteers' 2023 recruiting class. He was the country's sixth-best prospect, third-best quarterback and top player in California, and he chose the Volunteers over many big-time offers, including Miami, Alabama, Georgia, Oregon and more. Advertisement The Tennessee fan base got a taste of what could have been when, in his freshman year, Iamaleava started the Citrus Bowl. In place of Joe Milton. The 6-foot-6, 220-pound signal-caller went off by passing for 151 yards and accounting for four touchdowns (one passing, three rushing). Iamaleava led Tennessee to a dominant 35-0 win over the Iowa Hawkeyes. Iamaleava would lead the Volunteers to a 10-3 record in 2024, pushing the program to its first College Football Playoff appearance. In April, it all unraveled when a contract negotiation to rework his name, image and likeness (NIL) deal fell through, and a team practice absence led the Volunteers to decide to move on from Iamaleava. Urban Meyer looks on during the second half of the CFP National Championship game.© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Now with the UCLA Bruins, Iamaleava can still be a great college quarterback, and all the drama could be forgotten. However, former college football coach Urban Meyer doesn't see it that way and explained as much during an episode of his "The Triple Option" podcast. Advertisement In a discussion about players transferring and trying to find shortcuts to get on the field, Meyer explained that the case of Iamaleava would become the textbook example of conducting oneself in the wrong way. "I see Nico's the most famous story out there where ... this is going to be one of those deals a couple of years from now where they say, whether it be father, whether it be third uncle or whether it be an agent, 'Tell me again why I did that?' The 17-, 18-, 19-, 20-year-olds, with all due respect, they're not equipped to make that decision. They can't. "That's why they call parents, 'parents.' That's why they call coaches 'coaches.' Someone's got to advise and help them, someone that's been through the ringer a little bit. All of a sudden, you wake up one day and find yourself in a really bad situation and you're asking, 'What in the (expletive) did I do that for?'" Iamaleava will be under center for the Bruins this season; however, UCLA is far from the same caliber of team as Tennessee. In Athlon Sports' college football rankings for all 136 teams in the country, the Bruins were slotted at No. 68, although that list came before Iamaleava's transfer. Related: Steve Sarkisian Redefines Arch Manning's Role as Texas Eyes National Championship Run Related: Mel Kiper Jr. Fires Back At Mario Cristobal For Criticism Over Cam Ward Treatment
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Urban Meyer Predicts Massive Regression For Major College Football Program
Fans in Knoxville, Tennessee, are eagerly anticipating the start of the 2025 college football season, but the excitement comes with plenty of uncertainty about their Volunteers. Tennessee will once again be led by head coach Josh Heupel, entering his fifth season at the helm. The Vols finished 10-3 last year, including a 6-2 mark in SEC play. They earned a spot in the College Football Playoff but were soundly defeated by Ohio State on the road, 42-17. Advertisement One of the biggest storylines of the offseason was the departure of quarterback Nico Iamaleava. After leading the team last season, Iamaleava entered the transfer portal late in the process and eventually committed to UCLA. That development, along with other offseason drama, has former national championship-winning coach Urban Meyer expressing doubt about Tennessee's chances this year. In an appearance with Rob Stone, Meyer broke down his expectations for the Vols, as reported by Sam Gillenwater of On3 Sports: "Urban Meyer predicts Tennessee to go under 8.5 win total in 2025" Ohio State Buckeyes former head coach Urban Meyer. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Following expected wins in the Vols' first two games, Meyer sees the schedule getting tough beginning September 13. When asked about their home matchup against Georgia, he didn't hesitate: 'They lose.' Another marquee showdown arrives on October 18, when Tennessee visits Alabama. Meyer was blunt again: 'No,' when asked if the Vols could win that one. Advertisement As for a midseason stretch that includes Arkansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Florida, Meyer gave this breakdown: "I'm going to say they'll split Arkansas-Kentucky. They'll split Oklahoma-Florida. So, let's give them one more win,' Meyer said. 'That's six.' Looking ahead to the regular-season finale against Vanderbilt, Meyer expects Tennessee to be sitting at seven wins. While he predicted a win in that game, he offered praise for the Commodores. 'I'll tell you what. That's another one,' Meyer said. 'They've got a heck of a coaching staff down there. That's a rivalry game.' The most significant offseason blow was losing Iamaleava. After two seasons with Tennessee where he threw 21 touchdowns and just five interceptions, Heupel will now turn to a new starting quarterback. Advertisement In April, reports surfaced of NIL-related contract issues for Iamaleava. He missed practice the following day, and Heupel announced they'd be moving in another direction. Ten days later, Iamaleava confirmed his transfer to UCLA. Now, the Volunteers are left with a quarterback competition heading into fall. Joey Aguilar, formerly at Appalachian State, had been expected to transfer to UCLA but instead committed to Tennessee. Jake Merklinger is still developing, though questions remain about whether he's ready to start. The Vols also have four-star freshman George MacIntyre on the roster. The offense will also have a new look beyond quarterback. Leading rusher Dylan Sampson is gone. Peyton Lewis and DeSean Bishop are expected to compete for the starting running back role. At receiver and tight end, Chris Brazzell and Miles Kitselman return. Kitselman has been flagged by many analysts as a potential breakout candidate for the 2026 NFL Draft. Advertisement On the offensive line, Lance Heard will be relied on heavily to anchor a group filled with new faces. Tennessee opens the 2025 season on Saturday, August 30, against Syracuse at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The home opener is set for September 6 against East Tennessee State at Neyland Stadium. Coach Heupel brings a strong resume into the new season. In four years with Tennessee, he has compiled a 37-15 record, including a 20-12 mark in SEC play and a 2–2 bowl record. Prior to arriving in Knoxville, Heupel went 28-8 in three seasons at UCF. Despite recent success, the road ahead looks uncertain. With key departures, a new quarterback, and a tough schedule, the Vols face plenty of challenges in 2025, and Urban Meyer isn't alone in expecting a step back. Related: Quinn Ewers Receives $131k Contract Update on Friday Related: Georgia QB Commit Jared Curtis Sends Clear Message to No. 1 Overall Recruit
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sources: Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava to enter transfer portal
Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava has submitted paperwork to the school to enter the transfer portal, sources told Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger. Iamaleava did not attend practice and meetings on Friday amid reports that he wanted to renegotiate his NIL deal with the program. (Iamaleava's father disputed a story by On3.) His absence was unexpected and people within the Tennessee program were reportedly frustrated by the attempt to change an agreement that was the richest in college football when Iamaleava signed it in 2023. 'Today's landscape of college football is different from what it has been," Heupel said after the Volunteers' spring game on Saturday. "It's unfortunate, just the situation and where we're at with Nico. I want to thank him for everything he's done since he's gotten here — as a recruit to who he was as a player. And how he competed inside of the building. So we're in appreciation for that side of it.' 'Obviously we're moving forward as a program without him. I said it to the guys today — there's no one that's bigger than the Power T. And that includes me. And they hear me say that a lot inside of that team room. This program has been around for a long time with a lot of great coaches, lot of great players that came before that laid the cornerstone pieces, the legacy, the tradition that is Tennessee football is going to be around a long time after I'm done and after they're gone. And that's what's special about being here is that there's a legacy and a tradition that is so rich. Our logo that's recognized not just across the nation, but across the world too. And today you got a chance to see 110 guys that ran out and competed their butts off and give their all for Tennessee and do it the right way and really proud of the spring that they've had and also how they've culminated it as well.' ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Rivals' No. 2 quarterback in the 2023 recruiting class out of Warren High School in Downey, California, Iamaleava signed a four-year deal with Tennessee and its Vols Club collective for a reported $8 million, with $2.2 million of that to be paid for the 2025 season. Yet the NIL market for quarterbacks has seen major changes recently. Carson Beck reportedly received $4 million from Miami after he transferred from Georgia, while Darian Mensah will get the same in his deal with Duke upon transferring from Tulane. The spring transfer window opens on April 16 and will close on April 25. To be immediately eligible, Iamaleava has to play for a school outside the SEC thanks to a conference rule prohibiting players from transferring within the SEC in the spring transfer window. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement In his first full season as Tennessee's starting QB, Iamaleava threw for 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns (with five interceptions), completing 63.8% of his passes. Additionally, he rushed for 358 yards and three scores on 109 carries. Against Ohio State in the CFP, Iamaleava completed 14-of-31 passes for 104 yards while rushing for 47 yards and two TDs. The Vols went 10-3 overall. Redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger is in position to take over as the Vols' starting QB with true freshman George MacIntyre also on the depth chart. However, Tennessee's NIL collective has begun checking on potential transfers, according to ESPN.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
UCLA QB Joey Aguilar to transfer to Tennessee football to replace Nico Iamaleava
UCLA quarterback Joey Aguilar is expected to transfer to Tennessee football, per multiple reports, swapping places with Nico Iamaleava in the latest strange chapter of this offseason saga. Aguilar is a veteran quarterback who broke records at Appalachian State and transferred to UCLA in December. He was in line to be the Bruins' starting quarterback until Iamaleava came on the scene. Advertisement Iamaleava transferred to UCLA. He entered the portal after leaving Tennessee over a dispute about NIL pay, although his representatives claim it was because of problems with the Vols offense. Aguilar passed for 6,760 yards and 56 touchdowns in two seasons at Appalachian State. Before that, he passed for almost 3,000 yards and 21 TDs in two seasons at Diablo Valley Community College in Pleasant Hill, California. He has one season of eligibility remaining because the NCAA granted a blanket waiver to junior college transfers for one additional year. Aguilar can compete with UT redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger for the starting job in the 2025 season. They will replace Iamaleava, who helped UT to the College Football Playoff last season but left the program after NIL negotiations broke down. Advertisement The transfer portal is open April 16-25. Joey Aguilar stats at Appalachian State before UCLA Aguilar is experienced with 41 games played in college, including 24 starts at Appalachian State. The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder is from Antioch, California. He did not receive a Division I scholarship offer out of high school. But he had a successful stint in junior college, which drew multiple FBS offers. He was in line to sign with Coastal Carolina, but a coaching change re-directed his recruitment to Appalachian State. In 2023, Aguilar was the Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year and the Cure Bowl MVP after breaking multiple school records. He passed for 3,757 yards, 33 TDs and 10 interceptions. And he rushed for 249 yards and three TDs. Advertisement In 2024, Aguilar passed for 3,003 yards, 23 TDs and 14 interceptions. And he rushed for 207 yards and two TDs. That landed him a transfer to UCLA, but his time there was short. Who Tennessee football has at quarterback UT has two other scholarship quarterbacks, Merklinger and freshman George MacIntyre. Merklinger, a former four-star recruit, passed for 48 yards in two games as a freshman in 2024. He was the No. 11 quarterback in the 2024 class, according to 247Sports Composite rankings. MacIntyre, a four-star recruit, signed with UT in the 2025 class and enrolled in January. The former Brentwood Academy standout was ranked the No. 13 quarterback in the 2025 class. Advertisement Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at Get the latest news and insight on SEC football by subscribing to the SEC Unfiltered newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: UCLA QB Joey Aguilar to transfer to Tennessee to replace Nico Iamaleava | Reports
