Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava didn’t attend Tennessee’s spring practice Friday, sources told ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
The sophomore passer’s absence was a surprise to the team, according to Thamel.
Iamaleava is reportedly negotiating a new NIL contract ahead of the transfer portal opening April 16.
Representatives for the signal-caller denied Thursday that the camp engaged in discussions to renegotiate Iamaleava’s deal. Tennessee’s administration and players are frustrated with the situation, including the QB skipping practice, sources told ESPN’s Chris Low.
The Long Beach, California, native signed a pact worth over $8 million with the Volunteers’ NIL collective prior to committing to the school. Considered one of the groundbreaking contracts during the early days of NIL, the deal reportedly pays Iamaleava between $2.2 million and $2.5 million per season.