In a significant development for college football, quarterback Nico Iamaleava has transferred from Tennessee to UCLA. The move comes after a dispute over his name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation. Iamaleava, a Southern California native, had a standout 2024 season with the Volunteers, throwing for 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns, leading the team to a 10–3 record and their first College Football Playoff appearance. However, tensions with the program led to his departure. At UCLA, Iamaleava joins a quarterback competition that includes senior Ethan Garbers and Appalachian State transfer Joey Aguilar .
Iamaleava’s exit leaves a void at Tennessee, but it also opens the door for incoming freshman George MacIntyre. MacIntyre, a five-star recruit from Brentwood Academy in Tennessee, is ranked as the No. 2 quarterback prospect in the 2025 class . He committed to the Volunteers over offers from top programs, including Alabama and LSU. MacIntyre’s decision was influenced by the program’s upward trajectory under head coach Josh Heupel and the opportunity to play in a high-powered offense .
Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 190 pounds, MacIntyre brings a strong arm, mobility, and a high football IQ to the table. In his high school career, he threw for over 8,000 yards and 62 touchdowns . His leadership and playmaking abilities have been praised, and he is expected to be a cornerstone of Tennessee’s future. MacIntyre also comes from a football family; his grandfather, George MacIntyre, coached at Vanderbilt and UT Martin, and his uncle, Mike MacIntyre, is the head coach at Florida International .
With Iamaleava’s departure, MacIntyre has a clearer path to the starting quarterback position. While he will need to compete and prove himself at the collegiate level, the opportunity to lead the Volunteers’ offense is within reach. His early enrollment and participation in spring practices will be crucial for his development and integration into the team’s system. The coaching staff’s confidence in MacIntyre’s abilities suggests that he could make an immediate impact.
Tennessee’s ability to secure a top-tier quarterback like MacIntyre demonstrates the program’s strong recruiting and commitment to building a competitive team. As the Volunteers look to maintain their momentum in the SEC, MacIntyre’s development and performance will be key factors. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can rise to the occasion and become the next great quarterback in Tennessee’s storied history.