Oregon warned Tennessee about Nico Iamaleava transfer inquiry, per report

Earlier this spring, Tennessee was warned by Oregon about Nico Iamaleava’s transfer potential.

That’s according to a report from ESPN, who published that detail in a new wide-ranging story on Wednesday morning. The story, written by Chris Low, Max Olson and Adam Rittenberg, says Tennessee’s coaching staff was alerted to movement from the Iamaleava camp by Oregon’s staff.

Here’s an excerpt from the story:

Before Tennessee’s spring practices began in March, school officials were alerted by Oregon’s staff that Iamaleava’s camp had contacted the Ducks inquiring about their interest, according to sources at Oregon and Tennessee. Oregon told the Iamaleava camp it wasn’t interested.

Oregon has former 5-star freshman Dante Moore already on campus, so it’s not too surprising the Ducks weren’t interested in pursuing Iamaleava this spring.

According to ESPN, Tennessee believes Iamaleava also reached out to multiple schools (including Ole Miss and Miami) after the 2024 season ended as he was seeking an improved NIL deal. He ended up remaining with the Vols through spring camp, but entered the transfer portal last week in search of a new program.

ESPN’s report also notes that the Iamaleava camp insists their discontent with Tennessee was regarding the Vols’ supporting cast — not his reported $2.4 million compensation. Here’s another excerpt from the story:

Sources close to Iamaleava told ESPN that the family’s primary concern in the offseason was less about his compensation and more about Tennessee’s efforts to build up a better supporting cast on offense. Those close to Iamaleava were concerned about pass protection and his overall health. Iamaleava sat out the second half of the Mississippi State game after a concussion but went through concussion protocol and was cleared the next week by medical personnel and played against Georgia.

Those in Iamaleava’s camp expected Heupel to shore up the offensive line and reload at wide receiver this offseason, with one source saying the head coach made “false promises” about those efforts. When asked to respond, Heupel declined to comment through a university spokesman, saying he was done talking about Iamaleava.

Iamaleava ultimately landed at UCLA, where he will play for a Bruins team that ranks 78th in offensive returning production according to Bill Connelly. Prior to Iamaleava’s exit, the Vols ranked 87th. Tennessee will be moving forward with Joey Aguilar, who committed to Josh Heupel and the Vols earlier this week.