The world of college football is not just about touchdowns and tackles anymore — it’s also about big-money deals off the field. Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee’s star quarterback, is right at the center of this shifting dynamic. As the 2025 season nears, Iamaleava’s NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) contract is under intense negotiation. His talent on the field has already made waves, but now it’s the off-field conversations that are capturing attention.
Reports indicate that Tennessee and Iamaleava are working on a new NIL deal, potentially worth millions, to secure his future with the Volunteers. His impressive career stats, including over 2,600 yards and 19 touchdowns, have made him a key player in the college football landscape. But with the growing trend of players exploring the transfer portal for potentially better offers, Iamaleava’s next move is uncertain.
special delivery 🎧
courtesy of @nico_iamaleava8 & @beatsbydre #GBO #BeatsPartner #BeatsElite pic.twitter.com/HZCvZiumBG
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) August 23, 2024
In 2022, Iamaleava secured a groundbreaking $8 million NIL deal with Spyre Sports Group, which included a $350K signing bonus and annual earnings exceeding $2 million. Now, Tennessee is eager to renegotiate and keep him as the face of their football program, though competitors might try to lure him away with even more lucrative offers.
The story of Iamaleava goes beyond just money; his NIL deals have also included partnerships with brands like Force Factor and Beats by Dre. As new players like Shedeur Sanders and Arch Manning climb the NIL ranks with deals of their own, Iamaleava’s original contract might feel outdated, prompting Tennessee to offer him an even bigger payday.
Tennessee Football QB Nico Iamaleava fuels with Force Factor because the world’s top athletes know that reaching your goals starts with healthy living and quality nutrition. 💯 🏈 Shop now @Walmart #forcefactor #walmart #walmartfinds pic.twitter.com/Avfgkq0nHd
— Force Factor (@ForceFactor) March 4, 2023
The big question remains: Will Iamaleava stay loyal to Tennessee, or will a more enticing NIL offer from another program tempt him to explore the transfer portal? Stay tuned, as the NIL race is only getting started.