The first weekend since mid-August without college football or basketball did not lack for thunderous news as one of the highest-profile quarterbacks, unable to secure a contract extension, opted to become a free agent.
That’s effectively what transpired at Tennessee, where quarterback Nico Iamaleava and his representation attempted to renegotiate an NIL agreement reportedly worth $2.4 million per year. The Volunteers held their ground, prompting Iamaleava to enter the transfer portal and setting off a potential chain reaction that could take weeks to play out.
The Vols are suddenly in the market for a starting quarterback and have the NIL resources to pursue players currently on Big Ten, ACC and Big 12 rosters.
Established starters from coast to coast could receive increases in their NIL payments to ward off Tennessee’s aggressive boosters in much the same fashion that Nick Saban’s retirement from Alabama in January 2024 led to raises for a slew of coaches on the Crimson Tide’s candidate list.
Meanwhile, Iamaleava needs a home, he’s from Southern California and the transfer portal opens Wednesday.
Could he return to the West Coast?
Several usual suspects apparently are not interested:
— Washington is all-in with promising sophomore Demond Williams Jr., while Oregon appears set on transfer Dante Moore and Utah has its starter in transfer Devon Dampier.
— Arizona and Arizona State are committed to their returnees, Noah Fifita and Sam Leavitt, respectively.
— Colorado coach Deion Sanders posted “Not true” on social media in reference to speculation Iamaleava could end up in Boulder.
— USC was viewed as an early favorite for Iamaleava, who attended Long Beach Poly, but he might be a better fit across town.
UCLA has far more need for immediate help, marquee playmakers and direction. The Bruins finished 5-7 last year under rookie coach DeShaun Foster and, to this point in the offseason, have not restocked the depth chart with enough talent to suggest a turnaround is looming. A high-priced newcomer is less likely to disrupt chemistry in Westwood than in Heritage Hall.
For the Bruins, there is far less downside risk to a partnership with Iamaleava (and his representatives) — if the price is right, of course.
Also, his brother, Madden, a touted quarterback prospect, was committed to UCLA in the fall before flipping to Arkansas.
The transfer window is open until April 25. Players must enter the portal within the 10-day period but are permitted to select a landing spot throughout the spring. Waiting is risky, with roster spots expected to fill fast.
Here’s a look at three teams in need of help this month.
Arizona State: Receivers. Tailback Cam Skattebo’s impact on the passing attack is easily overlooked given what he did for the Sun Devils’ running game. But with 45 receptions, he was their second-leading receiver — and by a wide margin. Add to his departure the loss of Melquan Stovall and Xavier Guillory and ASU will be without three key options for quarterback Sam Leavitt. The No. 1 option, Jordyn Tyson, is set to return but clearly needs help. Coach Kenny Dillingham has made deft use of the transfer portal in restocking the roster and brought in both Fresno State’s Jalen Moss and Alabama’s Jaren Hamilton. But we expect Dillingham to pounce on any opportunity the portal offers to add quality depth. The Devils likely will be more dependent on the aerial game without Skattebo in the backfield.
Utah: Receivers. The remake of Utah’s offense has unfolded as well as frustrated fans could have hoped with a playcaller (Jason Beck) and quarterback (Dampier) who made for a dynamic tandem last season at New Mexico. And the Utes added a gifted tailback in Wayshawn Parker (Washington State), as well. There are new receivers, with New Mexico’s Ryan Davis atop the list (54 catches last season). But is the talent and depth out wide sufficient to navigate a season in which Utah will likely run more plays per game than it did in the previous era? The Utes lost their most productive receivers from last season, Dorian Singer and Money Parks. From here, the unit still looks a tad thin for 2025.
Washington: Offensive and defensive lines. Coach Jedd Fisch has been candid about the need for size and depth along the lines of scrimmage after the Huskies struggled to hold their own during Big Ten matchups. His offseason acquisitions on offense feature Carver Willis (Kansas State) and Geirean Hatchett (Oklahoma), who began his career with the Huskies. The defensive reinforcements include Ta’ita’i Uiagalelei (from Arizona) and Simote Pepa (Utah). But given UW’s tepid pass rush last fall (1.5 sacks per game), Fisch could seek additional help on the edges. And if unexpected options surface to bolster the offensive front, UW should act now and think later. In order for the Huskies to seriously contend for the Big Ten, the improvement at scrimmage must be exponential, not incremental.
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