Tennessee's Josh Heupel sends clear message after QB fallout: 'No one is ever bigger than the program'

Tennessee Chief Football Coach Josh Heupel’s first speech since quarterback Nico Iamaleava left the Volunteer’s spring roster and his message is clear.

Team first.

Iamaleava did some University Sports History As at zero, he did not show up on Friday while practicing, trying to make better payments next season, the first player he had held on to at zero.

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Tennessee Volunteer head coach Josh Heupel watched a game at Ohio Stadium in Ohio, Ohio, on December 21, 2024. (Imagn)

Tennessee pulled quarterbacks from the roster ahead of Saturday’s spring game. Iamaleava reportedly intends that he will enter the transfer portal when it opens elsewhere on Wednesday.

Heupel spoke with VOL Network on Saturday and noted that this is the current college sports, but that doesn’t mean the team is ranked second.

Tennessee continues to move forward from Nico Iamaleava after skipping practice from QB: Report

“It’s the state of college football,” Haupall said. “At the end of the day, no one is bigger than the program. That includes me, too.

“We have a chance. We have a bunch of guys who are going to go all out for Tennessee. We go forward. Getting a great team. Let’s start the game.”

Tennessee volunteer quarterback Nico Iamaleava stepped out after winning the victory at FirstBank Stadium at Nov. 30, 2024. (Steve Roberts-Imagn image)

Iamaleava is considered one of the prospects for the former quarterbacks of college football entering the 2025-26 season. But he wants to renegotiate his $10 million contract with Tennessee, which spans many years ago, According to ESPN.

ESPN also reported that Tennessee is aware that Oregon’s contact with Iamaleava may be transferred to Ducks head coach Dan Lanning and his plans.

Now, Heupel will be looking for a new quarterback on the transfer portal.

“It’s unfortunate, it’s just the situation and where we’re with Nico,” Heupel told reporters. New York Post. “I want to thank him for everything he has done since here.”