It has been a tough faculty begin for the five-star QBs from 2023
There was a time after we requested whether or not the 2023 quarterback class will go down as the perfect in Rivals historical past.
That story stays unfinished, nonetheless but to be decided, however the first few years have been a big bust, with the newest twist being Saturday’s information that Tennessee is parting methods with Nico Iamaleava over a reported NIL dispute.
The upcoming season might change the narrative as Arch Manning lastly begins at Texas, Jackson Arnold appears poised to take over at Auburn and Dante Moore will get his probability at Oregon.
However it’s been a tough few opening chapters.
Manning has waited two years behind Quinn Ewers at Texas. Moore bought thrown to the wolves at UCLA by Chip Kelly solely to switch after one season, deliberately sit behind Dillon Gabriel in Eugene final season and now take over.
Arnold bought flip-flopped out and in of the lineup at Oklahoma in a bungled operation by coach Brent Venables and his workers solely to depart after final season and head for Auburn the place it appears like he might lastly thrive surrounded by coach Hugh Freeze and elite receivers.
Malachi Nelson has been an enormous bust. He understandably sat behind Caleb Williams at USC in his freshman season however then couldn’t beat out Miller Moss and left for Boise State, the place he couldn’t beat out Maddux Madsen. He is transferred once more, and is now at UTEP.
And now we get to the Iamaleava state of affairs.
The five-star quarterback, who was closely thought of for the No. 1 total spot that went to Manning within the 2023 class, selected Tennessee over Oregon, Georgia, Alabama and Miami.
Many believed it was largely due to Iamaleava’s large (at the moment) $2 million per 12 months NIL take care of the Volunteers, which finally was his undoing in Knoxville.
However I additionally bear in mind assembly with Iamaleava and his father at their lodge in Las Vegas throughout a 7on7 match to speak concerning the Tennessee dedication.
The NIL deal helped however Iamaleava beloved coach Josh Heupel and particularly offensive coordinator Joey Halzle. Iamaleava’s dad raved about that relationship and the chance in Knoxville.
That has all been shot to hell after two seasons – just one beginning – on Rocky High. It was reported by a number of retailers Saturday morning (in the future after Iamaleavea no-showed for spring follow) that Tennessee was shifting on from Iamaleava, the five-star stud quarterback.
In a single beginning season, Iamaleava threw for two,616 yards with 19 touchdowns and 5 interceptions and likewise was third on the crew in speeding. His stats weren’t blockbuster ones however just like Williams’ first season at Oklahoma earlier than blowing up at USC and being the No. 1 choose.
Tennessee additionally had solely its second double-digit win complete in 17 seasons in 2024 and Iamaleava helped lead the Vols to its solely Faculty Soccer Playoff look the place they misplaced to Ohio State, the eventual nationwide champion.
For what it’s price, almost everyone seems to be reporting that Iamaleava needed to remodel his NIL deal to $4 million a 12 months (that’s the reported going charge for Carson Beck at Miami amongst others) and that Tennessee’s collective, Spyre Sports activities Group, didn’t wish to play ball.
In response to a supply on Friday, Iamaleava had not talked to the collective since January and there have been some dangerous emotions concerning the thought of Tennessee floating out details about Iamaleava to reporters concerning the NIL state of affairs.
I wrote Friday that Tennessee – proper or incorrect – ought to pay Iamaleava the NIL cash. It might be recouped handsomely if the five-star quarterback led the Vols again to the playoff or much more.
Now the Vols have solely redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and freshman George MacIntyre at quarterback and may be lively within the portal when it opens Wednesday.
There was a lot hope for the 5 five-star quarterbacks within the 2023 class. A lot might nonetheless occur positively, particularly with Manning beginning at Texas, Moore beginning at Oregon and Arnold beginning at Auburn this season.
However we as soon as thought this may very well be the perfect quarterback class in Rivals historical past. It has an extended option to go in a short while left to make that actuality.
