nico iamaleava: Nico Iamaleava transfer portal: 3 best suitable teams for Tennessee QB if he leaves the program ft. USC Trojans

Nico Iamaleava transfer portal: 3 best suitable teams for Tennessee QB if he leaves the program ft. USC Trojans

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch - Source: Imagn — Could Nico Iamaleava enter the transfer portal? - Source: Imagn

ESPN reported that quarterback Nico Iamaleava was a surprise no-show for spring practice on Friday amind an NIL dispute between the QB and the Tennessee Volunteers.

On3's Pete Nakos reported on Thursday that Iamaleava was negotiating a new NIL deal. However, the quarterback's unexpected absence from practice has sparked questions about his future in Knoxville.

If Iamaleava leaves the program, there should be no shortage of suitors. The 6-foot-6, 220-pound signal caller threw for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions in his first season as a starter. He also led the Vols to the College Football Playoff, losing in the first round at Ohio State.

While most top teams appear to be set, or at least content, with their QB situations, here are some possible landing spots for the quarterback if he decides to leave the Volunteers.

Top three landing spots for Nico Iamaleava if he enters the transfer portal

Nico Iamaleava led Tennessee to the College Football Playoff last season. - Source: Imagn

#3. Alabama Crimson Tide

The Alabama Crimson Tide has their quarterback battle going into the 2025 season, with Ty Simpson, Austin Mack and Keelon Russell vying for the starting spot. At the moment, Kalen DeBoer seems content with his QB room to replace NFL draft-bound Jalen Milroe.

However, Nico Iamaleava has a successful starting experience, something none of the passers currently at Alabama have. Then, there is the pressure aspect of the game. DeBoer had an underwhelming first season with the Crimson Tide.

Milroe struggled with inconsistency all season, but Simpson couldn't take the starting job away. If the offense sputters again in 2025, the seat could get hot for DeBoer, so having Iamaleava under center could give him a solid, experienced quarterback.

#2. Oregon Ducks

Could Iamaleava follow the same route Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel did in the last couple of years? The Oregon Ducks already have five QBs in the program, but there is no clear-cut starter. Austin Novosad and Dante Moore are battling for the position.

Dan Lanning appears to be happy with his QB room. Moore has starting experience from the 2023 season, when he was at UCLA, while Novosad hasn't started a game. Oregon has thrived under transfer quarterbacks the last two years, so if Lanning wants to go that route again, Iamaleava fits the bill.

#1. USC Trojans

It's not only that Iamaleava is a Long Beach, California native, but the USC Trojans also have some questions at quarterback entering 2025. While Lincoln Riley landed Husan Longstreet, the No. 4 QB in the class of 2025, according to 247 Sports, Jayden Maiava is still expected to start.

Maiava showed some skills, passing for 1,201 yards, 11 touchdowns and six interceptions after taking over for now Louisville quarterback Miller Moss. However, Iamaleava would give the Trojans a steadier presence under center.

Riley could also face some pressure after a disappointing stint in Los Angeles so far. Adding a top QB could help improve the Southern Cal offense immediately.

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