Nico Iamaleava Denies Threat to Sit Out CFP Game Amid Transfer Speculations

Former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava has publicly denied rumors that he threatened to sit out or throw the College Football Playoff game against Ohio State over NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) disputes. Amid his transfer saga and reports of high NIL demands, Iamaleava responded on social media, mocking the allegations and saying there was no truth to them. The rumors surfaced after Tennessee was soundly defeated by Ohio State, and Iamaleava’s performance in the game was criticized. While criticism of his NIL negotiations and abrupt departure continues, multiple sources emphasize that accusations of intentionally sitting out or sabotaging the playoff game lack credible evidence and are widely considered baseless. The broader discussion reflects ongoing tensions in college football regarding player compensation and transfer policies. Iamaleava is expected to transfer to UCLA, though no deal is finalized yet.