Nico Iamaleava will take his talents elsewhere during the 2025 college football season after Tennessee moved on from the star quarterback Saturday, ending a high-stakes public standoff centered around Name, Image, and Likeness compensation. Iamaleava helped Tennessee reach the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff in his first season as a full-time starter and will enter the transfer portal as its No. 1 ranked player.

Iamaleava’s initial lucrative NIL contract made him a prominent face in the early NIL era of college athletics. His recent disagreement with Tennessee marks a significant moment regarding NIL pay negotiations between players and institutions.

Some initial favorites for Iamaleava’s services include UCLA and USC, with UCLA emerging as a strong candidate given their previous dealings in the transfer market. The Bruins have a considerable void at quarterback and recruiting Iamaleava would be a significant move forward for head coach DeShaun Foster.

Conversely, USC’s situation may complicate matters as they currently have a competent starting quarterback in Jayden Maiava, who performed admirably last season.

Notre Dame is another potential suitor looking for a quarterback replacement after recent departures and could benefit immensely from Iamaleava’s raw talent.

Lastly, schools like North Carolina and Oregon may also make a play for Iamaleava, with North Carolina seeking to solidify their quarterback lineup and Oregon hoping to leverage past recruitment ties.