Is Nico Iamaleava to UNC feasible? Looking at former Tennessee QB's landing spot

Syndication: The Knoxville News-Sentinel - Source: Imagn — North Carolina would be an intriguing destination for Nico Iamaleava. - Source: Imagn

Could a move from Nico Iamaleava to UNC become a reality? The quarterback and the Tennessee Volunteers parted ways after they could not agree to terms for the upcoming season.

The QB informed the school that he would enter the transfer portal, which will allow him to sign with any team. After a promising first year as a starter in Tennessee, he is expected to have many suitors, including the possibility of Iamaleava to UNC.

Iamaleava is believed to have asked for a NIL deal similar to that of Carson Beck, who reportedly signed a $4 million in Miami, so whoever lands the former Tennessee quarterback will need to make a substantial investment.

Last season, Iamaleava totaled 2,614 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions while commanding the Vols to the College Football Playoff, where they lost 42-17 against the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Why a transfer for Nico Iamaleava to UNC makes sense

This is a chance for Bill Belichick to prove he is serious about building a strong program with the North Carolina Tar Heels. Nico Iamaleava to UNC could improve a key position for the program for years to come.

Tar Heels 2024 starter Max Johnson is coming off a serious leg injury and has struggled to stay on the field during his college career. He is joined by freshman Bryce Baker and Purdue transfer Ryan Browne in the QB room.

With North Carolina coming off a 6-7 season and a loss to the UConn Huskies in the Fenway Bowl, a quick turnaround could be in order, and adding a talented signal caller would be a solid step in that direction.

The UNC move also makes sense for Iamaleava as he would get to work with the legendary Belichick. While the QB showed promise as a freshman, there is still room to grow if he wants to make it to pro football eventually.

Being the second-winningest coach in NFL history means that Belichick knows a thing or two about developing talent. In Chapel Hill, Iamaleava would also work with a former NFL head coach as offensive coordinator in Freddie Kitchens.

Another situation that could help Nico Iamaleava at North Carolina is that playing in the ACC would be a significant step down in competition, allowing the signal caller to settle in a better situation than having to play a tougher conference schedule in some other destinations, such as Big Ten schools.

About the author

Allan Wolburg Robles is a College Sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over 17 years of experience in the field writing for publications including Reforma, Yahoo! OddsShark and Apuesta. Allan studied Communications at Anáhuac University, where he learned what would become the basis of a trade that was already a dream of his before starting college.

His favorite team is Army West Point as when he was young, Allan lived in West Point for a couple of years, went to pretty much every home game, a couple of Army-Navy games and even got to meet some of the players.

Allan's favorite players of all time include Tommie Frazier, who was unbelievable during the Nebraska dynasty of the early 90's. Tim Tebow was also a favorite, mainly because of his leadership skills, although he was also awesome on the football field. As a fan of defensive football, (or what's left of it), Sean Taylor could take over a game for Miami.

Allan has always considered himself a student of the game more than a fan of it. So the historical part and evolution of the game, as well as the ins and outs of what happens on the field, and being able to put it into words for the audience, are his biggest strengths.

Besides sports, Allan enjoys reading books, watching movies and spending time with his dogs.

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Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos