Recent college football headlines have been dominated by Nico Iamaleava and his departure from the Tennessee Volunteers. Iamaleava did not practice with the team ahead of the program’s annual spring game, and recently, the Volunteers decided to part ways with the former five-star quarterback.
Iamaleava has since entered the transfer portal. He is currently seeking a new school and, in turn, a new NIL deal. The story has caught the attention of one former NFL MVP, who sent a strong warning to the ex-Tennessee quarterback.
Ex-MVP Cam Newton Sends Warning to Nico Iamaleava
Iamaleava had a successful 2024 season at Tennessee. He threw for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns, and five interceptions, and the Vols made the College Football Playoff in part due to his performance.
Tennessee didn’t win a national title. In fact, the team was dominated by eventual champion Ohio State. Still, the run to the CFP gave the program momentum heading into 2025.
But now, the team is left looking for a new starting quarterback — something many believe could have been avoided. Among them, former NFL MVP Cam Newton, who said the whole situation might have been prevented if Iamaleava had received better advice.
“This is a story of good advice, bad advice. Whoever advised this kid to sit out and chase in hopes for more money is a fool. Because the reality is this… (NIL) is just to make your college experience comfortable.
“This is not forever money. You have to understand that even though you’re talking about millions and millions and millions of money, this ain’t it, bro. You at 19 years old, but that money ain’t gonna last past 24,” Newton said on the “4th&1 with Cam Newton” podcast on Tuesday, April 15.
Newton then spoke directly to Iamaleava, encouraging him to grow from the controversy and fallout.
“Nico, dog, listen. Understand, can you come back from this? Absolutely. But you must understand. Learn from this, and I hope you will, and make better decisions. As a whole, not just as a person. This is family members, this is advisors, this is everything. The main thing is becoming the best football player you possibly can be. The money will come.”
There’s certainly a broader conversation to be had about the current state of NIL. On one hand, college athletes receiving compensation for the revenue they generate is long overdue. These athletes bring in millions in revenue — far more than the value of a scholarship.
At the same time, college athletics are not the NFL. Holdouts are common in the pros because it’s a job and a full career. The financial structure of college football just isn’t built the same way.
Had Iamaleava’s holdout been successful, it might have set a precedent. Others could’ve followed. But for now, it appears schools are holding the line in NIL negotiations.
