John Canady

Tennessee Quits on Star QB Nico Iamaleava Amid NIL Dispute

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/nico-iamaleava/38678">Nico Iamaleava</a> is expected to enter the transfer portal after NIL contract negotiations with the Tennessee Volunteers went south. In his lone season as the full-time starter with the Vols, the former five-star recruit threw 19 touchdowns and five interceptions. Iamaleava has arguably struggled more than he’s shown flashes, but there’s no doubt that a team will be willing to bank on the prospect that they can unlock his potential in the right situation. That said, here’s a look at the top five landing spots for the quarterback.

Top 5 Landing Spots for QB Nico Iamaleava in the CFB Transfer Portal

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After the announcement that Iamaleava and Tennessee would be parting ways, it didn't take long for a team to emerge as the top threat to land the quarterback. Recent rumors connect North Carolina and head coach Bill Belichick to the former five-star in the transfer portal, and it's easy to see why. The Tar Heels need an answer at quarterback, and Iamaleava needs a coach to help him tap into the potential he's struggled to unlock up to this point. If Belichick can land his first big fish of the transfer portal, UNC could become a hot spot for talented players looking to help build a contender in the ACC.

1) North Carolina Tar Heels

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As soon as Iamaleava enters the portal, all eyes will turn to West Coast programs as many expect the quarter book to look for a return close to home. Lincoln Riley is one of the top head coaches in the nation, and with a need at quarterback, the Trojans could look to address the area in the Spring Portal. Don’t be shocked if there’s mutual interest from both sides.

2) USC Trojans

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Notre Dame is yet another team being thrown around as a potential landing spot for the quarterback. The Fighting Irish lost starter <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/riley-leonard/46088">Riley Leonard</a> to the NFL Draft, and if Marcus Freeman hopes to make another run in the College Football Playoffs, he’ll have to address the need at quarterback eventually. However, the saga around Iamaleava and NIL may not be something the young head coach wants to be involved in. Nonetheless, you can’t rule out the Fighting Irish until one of the two sides puts the noise to rest.

3) Notre Dame Fighting Irish

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The Texas Tech Red Raiders put together an impressive season this past year. Looking to be a true contender in 2025, the Big 12 squad has been aggressive in the <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/which-40-teams-improved-most-in-the-college-football-transfer-portal">transfer portal (No. 4 most improved)</a>, showing they have plenty of money to spend. If they want to land a big fish to run their offense, they could turn their attention to Iamaleava.

4) Texas Tech Red Raiders

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The Oregon Ducks haven’t been shy about targeting top quarterbacks in the transfer portal since Dan Lanning took over as head coach. When Iamaleava entered the portal, Oregon immediately became a team linked to the former five-star. However, rumors suggesting that Lanning was the coach who informed Josh Heupel about the Tennessee star seeking NIL opportunities elsewhere could put a damper on a fit at Oregon if they prove true. Regardless, there is no doubt that the fit is undeniable.

5) Oregon Ducks

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After news broke that Nico Iamaleava and Tennessee decided to part ways, all eyes turned to potential landing spots for the quarterback in the transfer portal.

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