Miami Hurricanes football coach Mario Cristobal made it clear that any attempt to hold out for a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal would not be tolerated.
Cristobal referenced his own program in response to the situation with the Tennessee Volunteers. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava reportedly entered the transfer portal after sitting out of practice while negotiating his own NIL deal.
The impact of the issue was felt throughout college football.
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Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal looks on prior to the game against the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, New York, on Nov. 30, 2024. (Rich Barnes-Imagn Images)
“We’re not going to do that at Miami, and I say that without any hesitation,” he told reporters after the Hurricanes’ spring game. “If anyone’s thinking that — and they could be the best player in the world — if they want to play hold out, they might as well play get out. We don’t want to do that, and we don’t want Miami to become that. Too many guys have sweat and bled and laid it on the line on that field to ever become that kind of program.”
Cristol emphasized that coaches would not allow a player to hold their program hostage.
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel addressed the situation, noting that while it is a part of college sports, it does not mean the team comes in second.
Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal, left, shakes hands with Wake Forest Demon Deacons head coach Dave Clawson after the game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Nov. 23, 2024. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
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“It’s the state of college football,” Heupel said. “At the end of the day, no one is ever bigger than the program. That includes me too.Â
“We’ve got an opportunity. We’ve got a bunch of guys who are going to give their all for Tennessee. We move forward. Got a great group. Let’s go compete.”
Iamaleava, considered one of the top quarterback prospects, sought to renegotiate his multi-year $10 million NIL deal with Tennessee, according to ESPN.
Tennessee became aware that Oregon had contacted Iamaleava about a potential transfer to join Ducks head coach Dan Lanning and his program.
Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava, #8, looks for an open receiver during the NCAA college football playoff game against Ohio State on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (IMAGN)
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Heupel will now look for a new quarterback in the transfer portal.
Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
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