Kirk Herbstreit Offers Different Perspective on Nico Iamaleava Saga

Ryan Phillips | Apr 16, 2025

Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava threw for 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns during the 2024 season. / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Nico Iamaleava saga continues to drag on, but Kirk Herbstreit has offered a different, balanced perspective on it.

Iamaleava is in the transfer portal after NIL negotiations with Tennessee went south. There are many versions of the story out there, but the general presumption is that Iamaleava, or his representatives, asked for more money from the Volunteers. The program balked at his request, then moved on after the young quarterback skipped practice.

During an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Herbstreit offered a different perspective on Iamaleava as a person after talking with him before a game last season.

"He hopped on our first call that we did with him ... and this dude was one of the typical Polynesian, laid back, calm, quiet, humble, nicest guys I've ever spoken to. I was blown away," Herbstreit said.

"So I'm not piling on Nico at all," he continued. "I don't know what's gone on, I hear about his dad, I hear about his team, I can just tell you the kind of guy—that's why I'm sure it was tough for Josh Heupel to let him go. ... Nico's like a great teammate, Nico's a great guy ... You want him in your huddle."

"Nico Iamaleava is one of the nicest guys that I've ever spoken to..

From my time being around him he's a guy that you want in your huddle..

He was a true freshman last year who ran that Josh Heupel scheme" ~ @KirkHerbstreit #PMSlive pic.twitter.com/0mWgThuf0d

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 16, 2025

While everyone is piling on Iamaleava as his search for a new program continues, it's interesting to hear a different perspective from someone who has dealt with him directly.

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