Photo credit: www.foxnews.com
Nico Iamaleava Leaves Tennessee for UCLA, Joey Aguilar Joins Volunteers
A significant shift in college football has unfolded as quarterback Nico Iamaleava has officially committed to UCLA, leaving a void at Tennessee that has paved the way for a consequential player exchange. Joey Aguilar, who recently transitioned to the Bruins from Appalachian State, will now don the Volunteers’ jersey.
The decision by Iamaleava came after extensive discussions concerning name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals that highlighted a burgeoning rift between him and the Tennessee program. Reports suggest that Iamaleava sought a contract close to $4 million for the upcoming season, a figure he felt reflected his contributions, especially after leading the Volunteers to the College Football Playoff last season.
Aguilar’s arrival at Tennessee marks an interesting phase for the Volunteers, as the former Mountaineers quarterback has impressive statistics to showcase. Over the past two seasons, he has amassed around 6,760 passing yards and 56 touchdowns, highlighting his capability to perform at a high level.
As the NIL landscape continues to evolve, Iamaleava has been a focal point of discussions, becoming the first college football player to hold out for a better compensation deal within the NCAA framework. His previous agreement with Tennessee was reported to be worth up to $10 million over multiple years, including a salary of $2.4 million for the upcoming season. This was poised to set him up for a potential first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Although his father, Nic Iamaleava, refuted claims that his son was aggressively seeking more NIL money, calling the narrative misleading, the elder Iamaleava expressed concerns over how the situation has been portrayed in public discussions.
Aguilar, who had aligned himself with UCLA earlier in the offseason, found his position altered with Iamaleava’s announcement, prompting a swift decision to enhance his chances with the Volunteers. Iamaleava’s departure not only reshapes the quarterback dynamics at Tennessee but also underscores the increasing complexities of NIL negotiations within college athletics.
Last season, Iamaleava demonstrated his talents on the field, throwing for 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns, leading Tennessee to a College Football Playoff appearance, where they faced Ohio State. This game marked a critical juncture for the Volunteers, as their aspirations for a national title ultimately fell short.
The adjustments being made by both players reflect the rapidly changing nature of college football, driven significantly by NIL opportunities and the quest for competitive advantage in a high-stakes environment.
Source
www.foxnews.com