Nico Iamaleava lit up Knoxville last season. The sophomore quarterback led Tennessee to its first-ever College Football Playoff berth and capped off a 10-3 year with a statement win over Alabama. But as the Volunteers gear up for another run, their star quarterback remains absent and the situation keeps getting messier.
On Friday, Austin Price of Volquest reported that Iamaleava was absent from practice, raising eyebrows just days before the Vols begin spring workouts in full force. The absence isn’t injury-related. Instead, it reportedly stems from ongoing negotiations over his NIL compensation.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport added fuel to the fire with a tweet that simply read: “A college hold-in. Wild.”
A college hold-in. Wild. https://t.co/m52j1lNweA
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 11, 2025
Fan Backlash Over NIL-Fueled Holdout
While Iamaleava hasn’t spoken publicly, the buzz around his possible holdout has already sparked a wave of reaction from fans and analysts. Many on social media are slamming the move, pointing to what they see as the latest sign that NIL is changing college football for the worse.
Sources: Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava did not attend Tennessee spring practice today. He’s been in conversations with Tennessee about a new contract. The no-show of practice came as a surprise. pic.twitter.com/VXsXTPDZpu
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 11, 2025
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“There’s been a lot of absurdity in the sport over the last few years. This one is next level,” one user posted.
There’s been a lot of absurdity in the sport over the last few years. This one is next level. https://t.co/fmqRWf2aD1
— Kris Budden (@KrisBudden) April 11, 2025
Another added, “College sports are being ruined right before our eyes”
College sports are being ruined right before our eyes
— Stephen A Smith (NOT) (@StephenATruths) April 11, 2025
Some are questioning whether Iamaleava’s 2024 season justifies a bigger payday. He completed 63.8 percent of his passes for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns, and five interceptions. His highlight came in Tennessee’s 24-17 win over Alabama, where he threw for 194 yards and added 44 more on the ground. Still, some critics say his numbers don’t match the rumored seven-figure NIL deal he’s already earning.
“When a recruitment is almost solely based on NIL, this type of behavior makes sense,” another fan commented. “You have to bring more to the table than just throwing $$ at kids.”
When a recruitment is almost solely based on NIL, this type of behavior makes sense.
— Notre Dame Recruiting (@NDrecruiting01) April 11, 2025
You have to bring more to the table than just throwing $$ at kids. You should be able to do both. https://t.co/q1RfsfjGKj
The bigger concern for Tennessee now: will Nico Iamaleava return, or is he eyeing the transfer portal? While nothing is official, his absence from practice and growing frustration over NIL terms could push him toward a new destination. If that happens, it would mark one of the most high-profile holdouts of the NIL era and a potential turning point in how college athletes negotiate their value.
For now, Knoxville holds its breath. The Vols’ hopes rest on Iamaleava’s next move, and everyone is watching.
