Ever wondered what it’s like to be at the center of college football’s limelight—and then watch the game shift from touchdowns to transactions? Nico Iamaleava. This is the name that’s buzzing across living rooms and locker rooms alike with whispers of his NIL deal amidst the transfer portal opportunity. His story has more than just trophies and touchdowns. It’s about talent, timing, and a whole new playbook off the field. Stay tuned. Because what’s happening behind the curtains can bring a change in the game and perspective forever.

All we know about Nico Iamaleava’s 2025 NIL contract

As the 2025 season approaches, Tennessee and Nico Iamaleava are deep in negotiations over a new NIL deal that could redefine his future with the Volunteers. According to reports from On3, talks are actively underway, and all eyes are on how the Vols plan to retain their star quarterback amid growing speculation around the transfer portal.

“Tennessee and Nico Iamaleava are in active contract negotiations ahead of the 2025 season,” stated On3. His career stats highlight that he has completed 241 of 379 passing attempts for 2930 yards, five interceptions, and 21 touchdowns. He has a good relationship with Coach Josh Heupel, along with his teammates and assistant coaches. And his recent development in the game is tossing a snag into a pivotal offseason for the star quarterback and Tennessee Volunteers, or Vols. 

In 2024, he has made 2,616 yards with a total of 19 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Vols are trying hard to keep their prime boy from jumping ship as the whispers of the transfer portal swirl. The negotiations are heating up. And the stakes are getting higher. We are yet to see if Tennessee will pay up or if any other program will come and offer a bigger NIL bag to Nico.  

How much was Nico Iamaleava’s NIL deal with Tennessee in 2022?

Nico Iamaleava, the quarterback of Tennessee, had been making headlines not just for his prowess on the field. But also for the earnings he made from the NIL. The 20-year-old had secured a significant agreement with Spyre Sports Group by leveraging his high-profile status as a top recruit. But how much did he make from the NIL? Reports have indicated that this deal with the Spyre Sports Group in 2022 alone was worth up to $8 million. The original contract was a $350K signing bonus and annually more than $2 million for over three years. But it’s nearing a final stretch. Tennessee is preparing to renegotiate a new multi-million-dollar NIL agreement to retain their star player amid swirling rumors of a potential transfer.

Earlier in March 2023, he also signed an endorsement deal with Force Factor, a health and wellness supplement brand, facilitated by Spyre Sports Group

Beyond the Spyre deal, Iamaleava’s NIL portfolio has expanded with several notable endorsements. In August 2024, he was selected for the Beats by Dre “Beats Elite” program, receiving custom Tennessee-themed headphones, which he shared with his teammates.

The Vols are now ready to gear up for a negotiation with the quarterback with a new multi-million-dollar NIL deal. Let’s see what awaits Nico now. 

Nico Iamaleava compared to highest NIL earners

In 2022, Nico made headlines with his NIL deal of $8 million. But stakes are rising now in the evolving landscapes of the college football money game. Now, forwarding to 2024, some of the rising new crop of stars are firing up the NIL scoreboard. 

Look at the NIL deals of Shedeur Sanders, for instance. The Colorado quarterback is cashing in $6.5 million, and all thanks to his partnerships with Mercedes-Benz and Nike. Watch out for his teammate, Travis Hunter, who’s also not far away and is raking in around $5.7 million through United Airlines and Adidas endorsements. And? And then there’s Arch Manning, who’s stacking in $5.5 million from signing a new agreement with Vuori Clothing, apart from prominent brands like Panini America and EA Sports. Miami’s Duke’s Darian Mensah and Carson Beck are also getting close to $4 million. But they, too, had to go to the transfer portal to catch those deals.   

Nico’s NIL deal in 2022 was revolutionary. But in the recent world of the number game, it has become a bit outpaced. Thus, the Vols are reviewing his contract for a near-to-perfect restructure. He might just become the next name for resetting the marketing yet again, like in 2022. Stay connected; the NIL race is far from over.