Nico Iamaleava to transfer: Best fits for the Tennessee QB

Tennessee's decision to move on from quarterback Nico Iamaleava is the biggest move thus far as the spring transfer period starts on April 16. On Friday, he did not attend practice and it was reported that he and the Vols were in discussions about a new NIL contract. On Saturday, sources told ESPN that the Vols have decided to move on from Iamaleava.

In 2024, he threw for 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns while rushing for 358 and another three scores. Another productive season could allow him to declare early for the NFL. However, his next stop might not feature the talent that he had around him at Tennessee or a scheme conducive to his skill set.

The former four-star recruit, who was No. 23 in the 2023 ESPN 300, has a coveted combination of elite skills and physical tools. His first full year as a starter had impressive moments, but he didn't beat the best opponents on Tennessee's schedule outside of Alabama. He's young -- and there's a very solid sample size with a high ceiling for development -- but his body of work might not warrant an increase in market value from what he's already getting.

Tennessee has personnel around Iamaleava and a system in which he can continue to grow and shine. However, if he decides to move on, here are three teams that would fit:

USC Trojans

The Trojans have a ton of momentum right now and could make the most sense. With the No. 1 2026 recruiting class, they're on fire recruiting high schoolers with the financial clout to compete with anyone on the NIL market. USC returns incumbent starter Jayden Maiava and touted freshman Husan Longstreet is the new kid on the block. Transfer Sam Huard provides depth. Iamaleava, from Downey, California, is an upgrade over all three, plus he's a local talent.

The Trojans lost two high-profile playmakers at receiver to the portal in Duce Robinson (Florida State) and Zachariah Branch (Georgia). However, Ja'Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon return and the left side of the offensive line is intact, although the Trojans must find an answer at right tackle. USC retooled on defense and should be a factor in the Big Ten race because of the quality additions it layered on top of its core returning nucleus. The Trojans would be Iamaleava's best option. This is a crucial season for Lincoln Riley, who has yet to win a conference title or reach the College Football Playoffs at USC. His track record with high-profile quarterbacks only adds to USC's appeal.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Steve Angeli, CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey are all in the mix for Notre Dame's starting job, with Angeli likely in the early lead. Were Iamaleava to go to South Bend, he would have the most experience of that group. The Irish also have ideal personnel returning around their quarterback, including incoming Virginia transfer wide receiver Malachi Fields, who is a premier playmaker. Jeremiyah Love also returns in the backfield to anchor the running game. Freshman offensive lineman Anthonie Knapp returns for a sophomore season amongst other experience in the offensive line. Fresh off a national championship appearance, Iamaleava would join a program that should again be a national title contender.

UCLA Bruins

Despite their disappointing season, the Bruins finished strong down the stretch under first-year coach DeShaun Foster and are now looking to reload. The Bruins can send a loud message that they're willing to jump into the NIL market with both feet to land the California prospect. However, he would be going to a team with far less talent around him than his current spot. The Bruins lost NFL prospects in linebackers Kain Medrano and Carson Schwesinger, edge defender Oluwafemi Oladejo and defensive tackle Jay Toia.

Starting quarterback Ethan Garbers is gone as well. Starting left tackle Niki Prongos (Stanford), running back T.J. Harden (undecided) and slot receiver Logan Loya (Minnesota) entered the transfer portal. So did promising quarterback Justyn Martin (Maryland). Quarterback Joey Aguilar comes over from Appalachian State after two very productive seasons and is expected to start, but the offensive line, which a year ago featured a walk-on as its best player, is still a group in development. On the bright side, among the nine new assistant coaches Foster hired in the offseason was offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri. Coming from Indiana, Sunseri is an up-and-coming play caller and ran an offense that got the Hoosiers to the CFP in 2024.