"Updates: Tennessee Quarterback Nico Iamaleava Absent from Practice During NIL Negotiations"

Tennessee's football team was taken by surprise when quarterback Nico Iamaleava decided not to participate in Friday's spring practice, according to reports from various media outlets.

The 20-year-old Iamaleava is reportedly in talks for a higher NIL (name, image, likeness) deal, which could explain his absence from practice.

The University of Tennessee is set to hold their annual Orange & White Spring Game on Saturday, while the transfer portal window opens on Wednesday.

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This situation could potentially be one of the first contract holdouts in college football.

According to ESPN, Iamaleava and his team are rejecting his current deal, which would pay him over $8 million throughout his college career, and are instead seeking $4 million per season.

Iamaleava had limited playing time as a freshman in 2023 but took over as the starting quarterback last fall. He had an impressive first season as a starter, completing 63.8% of his passes for 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns with only five interceptions. He led Tennessee to a 10-3 record and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

The Vols ended the season ranked ninth in the final AP poll, following their 42-17 loss to eventual champions Ohio State in the first round.