Tennessee Put on Notice After Attempting to Poach Projected $1.7 Million Star QB
The Tennessee Volunteers cast a wide net in the transfer portal after star quarterback Nico Iamaleava suddenly left the program. They were looking through prospects that could ideally take the helm as the new star signal-caller. Their search for a replacement led the Volunteers to inquire about Kansas State’s sophomore dual-threat signal-caller, Avery Johnson, during the spring portal window. But Kansas State’s program warded off any overtures. “We got a (expletive) wall built around him,” a Kansas State source told ESPN. “They better bring the Tennessee National Guard.” Johnson threw for 2,712 yards and 25 touchdowns against 10 interceptions last season, demonstrating the kind of production Tennessee desperately sought. His marketability off the field is equally impressive, with an On3 NIL valuation pegging him at $1.7 million.
Tennessee also explored options with several Power Four signal-callers, including Illinois’ Luke Altmyer and TCU’s Josh Hoover, but none could be lured from their programs.
At 6-foot-2 and 192 pounds, Johnson combines arm strength with a 69.7 QBR that ranks among the top half of FBS quarterbacks. His dual-threat prowess extends to the ground as well, having rushed for 605 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024. But all the search ended when UCLA transfer quarterback Joey Aguilar joined the Volunteers. With redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and incoming freshman George MacIntyre waiting in the wings, head coach Josh Heupel has enough options now, looking forward to this fall.
Leave a Reply