Tennessee Signs Quarterback to New Contract After Nico Iamaleava Bolts

The Tennessee Volunteers saw the Nico Iamaleava era come to an end following reported negotiations over an improved NIL deal for the quarterback. While those were clearly unsuccessful, with Tennessee and Iamaleava parting ways and the signal-caller subsequently heading to the UCLA Bruins via the transfer portal, the Volunteers have been able to agree a deal with one of the quarterbacks vying to replace Iamaleava as the starter. Per Pete Nakos of On3, the Volunteers have agreed a new contract with former four-star recruit Jake Merklinger. He is said to have received a boost in compensation in a six-figure deal, the terms of which were not disclosed. Merklinger is set to compete with freshman George MacIntyre and Joey Aguilar, who transferred from UCLA to Tennessee in the wake of Iamaleava going in the opposite direction.

Aguilar played two seasons at Appalachian State before transferring to UCLA. He has one year of eligibility to remaining and will naturally have designs on starting during his senior year to boost his NFL Draft prospects. Merklinger threw only nine passes in 2024, completing six of them for 48 yards. However, with the most experience of the three quarterbacks in Josh Heupel’s offense, he may have an edge in the quarterback battle. Regardless of whether he emerges victorious, he will be more handsomely compensated in the coming season.