Who will replace Nico Iamaleava at Tennessee? The GoVols247 team has its finger on the pulse of Tennessee transfer portal news and QB recruiting
A majority of the college football transfer portal activity happens in December and January, but Tennessee football news over the weekend made the 2025 college football spring transfer portal much more intriguing. The Vols parted ways with starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava following a reported NIL dispute, putting a talented, starter-quality quarterback on the market. Tennessee coach Josh Heupel confirmed shortly after that Tennessee will add a quarterback via the portal this spring, so the Iamaleava news could have ripple effects across college football.
Who could the Vols pursue as an Iamaleava replacement, and how does this news impact the 2025 Tennessee football roster? If you want the latest Tennessee football news, be sure to see what the proven team of insiders are saying at GoVols247, the 247Sports affiliate that covers the Tennessee Volunteers.
The GoVols247 insiders are providing on-the-ground updates on every development in the Tennessee football program, including insights from Wes Rucker, Patrick Brown, Ryan Callahan and Ben McKee, who have deep-rooted ties inside the Tennessee Vols community. Get all the inside scoop on the football program, plus VIP intel on Tennessee football, basketball, recruiting and more. Plus get access to the Irish Illustrated message boards where you can connect with other Tennessee fans and insiders. Get it all right here.
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Tennessee football roster news
Heupel was straightforward with the media in saying that the Vols will add a quarterback from the portal this spring. The quality of addition is now the question mark for Tennessee fans. The Vols have two in-house options at quarterback in redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and true freshman George MacIntyre.
Both were highly-touted as prep recruits, though neither was widely viewed as ready to start in the SEC prior to recent developments. The Vols also have top-ranked quarterback Faizon Brandon committed in the 2026 class, so finding a one-year bridge quarterback could be the solution.
Iamaleava’s exit could have other implications for the roster. Tennessee is already a bit short on receivers and could lose more if any are concerned about the quarterback options. On the other hand, the Vols seemingly have more NIL capital at their disposal with Iamaleava gone, and they could use that on a number of players who could upgrade other positions. Get more Tennessee football roster updates at GoVols247.
How to get insider Tennessee football updates
The GoVols247 team is bringing up-to-the minute updates on the latest transfer portal targets at quarterback, staff news and 2026 football recruiting. You can only get it all at GoVols247.
What will the 2025 Tennessee football roster look like, and what shocking offseason moves are in store for the Volunteers after Iamaleava’s decision to leave? Go to Irish Illustrated to get all the latest Tennessee football news, all from a team of dialed-in insiders, and find out.
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