The Tennessee Volunteers are attempting to type out a state of affairs involving quarterback Nico Iamaleava that’s fairly distinctive to the brand new period of school soccer.
Iamaleava and the Vols are locked in talks over a brand new NIL deal, according to Pete Nakos of On3. Whereas Iamaleava is joyful at Tennessee, he desires an adjustment to his deal, and the college just isn’t stunned by the ask.
It’s unclear if there’s a danger of Iamaleava coming into the switch portal when it opens subsequent week.
Iamaleava’s present NIL deal pays him between $2.2M and $2.5M, in keeping with Nakos. The quarterback desires a elevate as a result of the worth of such offers has risen, as evidenced by the big NIL deal Carson Beck received to switch to Miami. Freshman Bryce Underwood’s Michigan NIL deal, which is value over $3M, is cited as one other instance.
This concern will probably develop into extra prevalent all through school soccer as NIL offers get dearer. Gamers like Iamaleava which have confirmed themselves at this stage will need to stay among the many most highly-paid gamers at their place. That will likely be a giant headache for colleges contemplating how simple it’s for gamers to enter the portal.
Iamaleava helped lead Tennessee to the Faculty Soccer Playoff as a freshman starter final season. In 13 video games, he threw for 2,616 yards with 19 landing passes and 5 interceptions. He additionally rushed for 358 yards and three scores.
