Mystery QB Snubs Massive Tennessee Deal: Who Could It Be?

Ever thought about how much money a quarterback can cost when you’re in dire need of a new one? Well, Tennessee’s Tennessee’s certainly playing that game lately. football’s tumultuous journey to secure its next signal-caller has had its share of twists and turns, not unlike the changing uniforms in college football games these days! The Volunteers, finding themselves in a bind, began scrambling for their offensive lead after an unexpected exit. Could they reel in a big fish, or would they be left splashing in the wake of missed opportunities? LEARN MORE.

Tennessee is suddenly seeking a new starting quarterback for the 2025 season. One target reportedly turned down a substantial offer to join the SEC squad.

Nico Iamaleava entered the transfer portal after the Volunteers refuted his attempts to renegotiate an NIL deal. Head coach Josh Heupel said the program would move on from the quarterback after he skipped a spring practice last week.

According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram‘s Steven Johnson, Tennessee tried to lure Josh Hoover away from TCU. Although he’s already making seven figures, the Volunteers offered him at least $1 million more to leave.

However, Hoover “quickly” rejected their advances and will stay with TCU.

Hoover began his collegiate career by watching Max Duggan steer TCU to the National Championship Game. He earned the starting job during the 2023 season, exceeding 300 passing yards in each of his final four games.

Last season, Hoover completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 3,949 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He threw four of those touchdowns in a lopsided New Mexico Bowl victory over Louisiana to conclude a 9-4 campaign.

Per Johnson’s reporting, Tennessee offered Hoover at least $2 million to transfer. Iamaleava made $2.2 million but reportedly wanted a raise to $4 million.

Since Hoover never entered the transfer portal, any offer from Tennessee would constitute illegal tampering. Yet it seems like college football’s worst-kept secret that many programs are breaking that rule to poach talent during the offseason.

North Carolina scooped up a top quarterback in the spring portal when landing Gio Lopez. Few notable options remain for Tennessee, but Heupel and Co. could pursue Notre Dame’s Steve Angeli.

Meanwhile, Iamaleava may soon finalize a new home. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, UCLA informed its quarterbacks of Iamaleava’s expected arrival.

Related: Nico Iamaleava Finalizes Transfer Decision On Easter Sunday