KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — The Tennessee Volz are moving on from starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava following a dispute over his name, image, and likeness (NIL) contract, according to a report from ESPN.

Iamaleava did not attend practice Friday, ESPN said, and that absence was considered the final straw in ongoing contract discussions between the quarterback and the university. Head coach Josh Heupel informed the team of the decision Saturday morning, ahead of the Vols’ Saturday spring game.

Iamaleava, who led Tennessee to a 10-3 season and a College Football Playoff appearance last year, entered the offseason expected to return as the starter. He threw for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 2024.

ESPN says Iamaleava’s departure leaves Tennessee with two scholarship quarterbacks, neither of whom has started a college game. Redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger is now in line to take over, with true freshman George MacIntyre behind him.

Iamaleava is expected to be the top quarterback available when the spring transfer portal opens Wednesday. Per ESPN, he originally signed a record-setting NIL deal worth more than $8 million.

Due to SEC transfer rules, Iamaleava will not be eligible to transfer within the conference this spring if he intends to play in 2025.

Get reports like this and all the news of the day in Middle Tennessee delivered to your inbox each morning with the FOX 17 News Daily Newsletter.