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The Tennessee Volunteers are reportedly moving on from starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava after he missed team meetings and practice on Friday (April 11) amid an apparent holdout, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to ESPN's Pete Thamel on Saturday (April 12).
Iamaleava, 20, a former five-star prospect who started the entire 2024 season, is reportedly expected to enter the transfer portal once it opens next week and will not be present for the Vols' annual Orange and White Spring Game on Saturday, according to Thamel.
"Sources: Tennessee is moving on from starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava. 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," Thamel wrote on his X account. "Tennessee hosts its annual spring game today. Iamaleava will not be present. There’s been little communication between the sides since he missed practice. He’s expected to enter the portal when it opens next week."
Iamaleava and Tennessee were reported to be in a standoff over his name, image and likeness contract this week amid the quarterback's absence from practice, which led to the Vols deciding to cut ties with the California native. Iamaleava just completed his redshirt freshman season, which gives him three seasons of eligibility with his next college team once he enters the transfer portal, which is set to reopen on Wednesday (April 16).
Tennessee went 10-3 and made its first College Football Playoff berth under the new format during Iamaleava's first year as a starter, which saw him throw for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions.