The Nico Iamaleava era at Tennessee appears to be over.

According to multiple reports, head coach Josh Heupel told the team on Saturday morning before their spring game that Iamaleava and the Vols "is expected to be over."

Iamaleava famously arrived at Tennessee as part of its 2023 recruiting class with a NIL deal that was reportedly valued around $2 million per year. Since then, the going rate for starting quarterbacks has risen significantly.

The star quarterback and Heisman contender attempted to renegotiated his deal with the Volunteers over the last several weeks but to no avail. He even skipped spring practice on Friday.

Unless there is a last minute change of heart by either Iamaleava or Tennessee, the former five-star prospect will be headed for the transfer portal.

The Southern California native was the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2023 Rivals250, behind only Arch Manning. Iamaleava saw limited playing time in five games during the 2023 season as a true freshman. He started the Tennessee bowl game against Iowa that season, throwing for 151 yards and completing 63.2-percent of his passes.

In his first full season as Tennessee’s starter, Iamaleava led the Vols to the 2024 College Football Playoffs and threw for 2,617 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions with a completion percentage of 63.6. Iamaleava added 475 rushing yards and three more touchdowns.

Tennessee’s 10-3 record last season included wins over Oklahoma, Florida and Alabama.