University of Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava has shared an emotional message after deciding to leave the Vols behind.
On April 16, it was reported that Nico, 20, would transfer to UCLA due to a dispute over NIL money.
According to the "Knoxville News Sentinel," the rising third-year sophomore earned $2 million per year.
ESPN's Chris Low said the college quarterback wanted that to increase to $4 million and used the possibility of him entering the transfer portal as leverage, which obviously didn't work out.
The college athlete was a no-show at practice the day before the Vols' spring game on April 12 and shortly thereafter announced that he was leaving.
"To the amazing people in Knoxville, thank you for embracing and uplifting me throughout my time there. I’ll be forever thankful for the support you showed me every step of the way and I’ll always cherish the relationships I built there and the memories I created with my brothers," Nico wrote in a lengthy Instagram post announcing the news on Monday. "I believe with all my heart that I gave my all as a Volunteer. I’m truly grateful for the time I had at UT."
Nico said the decision to leave Tennessee was "incredibly difficult," however, he believes it was the right choice.
Is Nico Iamaleava's brother Madden also transferring to UCLA?
According to ESPN's Chris Low, Nico's younger brother, Madden Iamaleava is also transferring to UCLA.
The Arkansas freshman quarterback will reportedly switch after entering the transfer portal.
Madden was originally committed to UCLA for upwards of eight months.
However, in a last-minute decision, he flipped his pledge to the Razorbacks during the early signing period in December.
He was the No. 145 overall recruit in the ESPN 2025 rankings.
The 6-foot-3 pocket passer will presumably be a backup for his older brother.