Tennessee football is facing a pivotal offseason after the unexpected departure of starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who entered the transfer portal this spring. The redshirt freshman was expected to lead the Volunteers in 2025 after a promising Orange Bowl performance and flashes of elite talent late last season. Now, head coach Josh Heupel and his staff are back to the drawing board, searching for a new leader under center.
Iamaleava’s exit has intensified the Vols’ activity in the transfer portal. Tennessee is actively pursuing experienced quarterbacks to stabilize the offense, including several Power Five veterans who have entered the portal in recent weeks. With the program still aiming to compete at a high level in the SEC, landing a capable and quick-learning signal caller is the top priority.
Beyond quarterback, the Vols are also looking to shore up depth at wide receiver, cornerback, and along the offensive line. Several notable departures, including a few early NFL Draft entries, have left holes across the roster. Tennessee has already made contact with a handful of portal standouts, aiming to bring in immediate contributors who fit Heupel’s up-tempo scheme.
Despite the setback of losing Iamaleava, optimism remains in Knoxville. The coaching staff is confident in the program’s trajectory and appeal to top talent. With NIL support and a winning culture, Tennessee remains a major player in the transfer market.
The next few weeks will be critical as the Vols aim to rebuild key parts of the roster before summer workouts. All eyes will be on who Tennessee brings in at quarterback—but expect multiple new faces across the board as the Vols prepare for a fresh chapter in 2025.