Things aren't looking too good in former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava's ventures of finding a new place to call home. After his messy departure from the Vols—which made headlines for reportedly including a $4 million annual demand—interest from top schools has started to dry up.
Once-considered destinations like North Carolina and Tulane have reportedly bowed out, leaving the former five-star in a tough spot.
With limited traction elsewhere, an unexpected question has surfaced: what if Tennessee takes him back?
That scenario was raised publicly by On3 founder and CEO Shannon Terry, who floated a hypothetical path to reconciliation between Iamaleava and the program he just left. His conditions, however, were far from simple.
What if Tennessee takes back Nico?
- Heupel lays down the rules for Nico's return and his family.
Deal stays the same, but Tennessee builds in win-based incentives.
Dad apologizes to Bi*ch Nakos and a bad situation turns good.
- Shannon Terry, On3
The post, while hypothetical, speaks volumes about the rift that developed not only between Iamaleava and the Tennessee program, but also with the media. Iamaleava’s father recently went on an expletive-laced rant aimed at On3’s Pete Nakos, calling him “Bi*ch Nakos” for his reporting on the situation. That jab didn't go unnoticed—but it also didn’t slow Nakos down.
In fact, not long after the public blow-up, Terry publicly praised Nakos and rewarded him with a raise and new long-term contract.
“Congrats to PeteNakos_ on a well-deserved raise and new long-term deal with On3sports,” Terry posted. “One of the brightest young stars in college sports media — and an even better human. Proud of you, Pete.”
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While there’s no indication Tennessee is seriously considering bringing Iamaleava back, the idea itself suggests just how unpredictable his next move may be. What was once a $4 million demand now looks more like a massive gamble that’s left the quarterback without a surefire landing spot—and possibly with no better option than to circle back to Rocky Top.