Smoke Builds In Tennessee Around First College Football ‘Trade’ Of The NIL Era

The Tennessee football team will need to find a replacement for transfer quarterback Nico Iamaleava. The five-star passer bolted for UCLA after two seasons in Knoxville.

That move came near the end of the spring practice session, giving Josh Heupel little time to secure a new addition on the transfer market. It could lead to the first college football “trade” of the NIL era.

Iamaleava’s transfer was one sparked by NIL demands. The passer’s camp reportedly wanted his annual salary increased from $2 million to $4 million. When the Vols refused, Iamaleava walked.

Offensive scheme played a role in the decision, too, which ultimately led the quarterback to UCLA. Iamaleava took a pay cut to sign with the Bruins this week.

Questions still surround his future in Los Angeles, specifically regarding his jersey number, but his arrival sparked a domino effect in the QB room.

Joey Aguilar is leaving UCLA.

The Bruins signed Aguilar to be their starter four months ago. They’d already agreed to NIL terms. There’s a possibility the school is still responsible for his $1 million+ salary depending on how the contract reads.

But what if there was an out? A trade that could possibly take some of that responsibility off of the Bruins… We might find out soon enough!

Joey Aguilar is back in the portal. He’s reportedly speaking with the Vols on Monday. There appears to be mutual interest. Tennessee and UCLA might switch starting quarterbacks.

According to Chris Low of ESPN, Aguilar possesses traits that Josh Heupel would love to see under center. “Aguilar fits what Tennessee is looking for, a proven starter with one year to play,” he wrote on X. “A very capable runner. Heupel and the Vols [are] definitely looking for another QB.”

The smoke surrounding a move to Knoxville is growing. The NIL implications of that move would be interesting to watch unfold. Tennessee has an extra $2 million sitting around that was designated for Nico Iamaleava. Would they be willing to take over Aguilar’s contract with UCLA to get a new starting quarterback at a discount?

If so, we might just see the first true college football trade. Then again, the Vols might try to force the Bruins to eat both contracts after their double-dipping in the portal.