Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava’s anticipated departure from the program and his decision to enter the transfer portal sent ripples through the college football world on Saturday, drawing widespread attention and reaction.
Iamaleava, a native of Long Beach, California, threw for over 2,600 yards with 19 touchdowns and five interceptions last season, helping lead the Volunteers to a College Football Playoff appearance.
Head coach Josh Heupel broke the news to the team on Saturday morning, just ahead of the Volunteers’ annual spring game in Knoxville.
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The development sparked responses from players, including starting tight end Ethan Davis, who posted a photo on social media showing projected new starting quarterback Jake Merklinger embracing a teammate during spring practice—hinting at a sense of moving forward.
Merklinger, from Savannah, Georgia, is expected to step into the starting role. Meanwhile, sources told ESPN that Tennessee’s NIL collective has started exploring potential quarterback additions for the 2025 season.
Iamaleava is reportedly expected to draw offers worth up to $2 million for his next quarterback opportunity, depending on which program signs him.
Davis, who hails from Atlanta, recorded 13 receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns last season and is entering his third year with the Volunteers.
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