In a recent press conference, Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel addressed the ongoing situation involving former starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who departed the program amid a dispute over his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation. Heupel expressed a desire to shift focus to the team’s current roster, particularly highlighting the addition of quarterback Joey Aguilar.
Iamaleava, a redshirt sophomore and the No. 2 recruit in the 2023 class, had been earning $2.4 million annually from an $8 million NIL deal. He sought to increase his compensation to $4 million, citing rising market values for top quarterbacks. Tennessee declined the request, leading Iamaleava to miss a practice session and ultimately enter the transfer portal. He has since transferred to UCLA, where he is expected to earn less than his previous deal at Tennessee .
In response to Iamaleava’s departure, Tennessee acquired Joey Aguilar from UCLA. Aguilar, who previously played at Appalachian State, brings experience and a strong track record to the Volunteers. He is set to earn approximately $1.2 million in NIL compensation at Tennessee, matching his remaining value from his deal at UCLA .
Coach Heupel emphasized the importance of moving forward and focusing on the players currently committed to the program. He acknowledged Iamaleava’s contributions but reiterated that no individual is bigger than the team. With Aguilar’s arrival and the presence of other quarterbacks like Jake Merklinger and George MacIntyre, Tennessee aims to build a cohesive and competitive unit for the upcoming season .
The situation underscores the evolving dynamics of NIL in college football and the challenges programs face in managing player compensation and team cohesion. As the Volunteers prepare for the new season, the focus remains on developing talent and fostering a strong team culture.
