Ohio State, Colorado, and Oregon are reportedly the leading contenders to land Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava through the transfer portal.

As the 2025 college football season looms, all eyes in the football world are focused on one of the most highly anticipated transfer decisions of the offseason: where will Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava land? After spending a year in Knoxville, Iamaleava has entered the transfer portal, and three schools have emerged as the leading contenders for his services: Ohio State, Colorado, and Oregon.

In this piece, we’ll break down why these three schools are in the running for Iamaleava, what he could bring to each program, and what makes this transfer so intriguing for the landscape of college football.

The Rise of Nico Iamaleava

Before diving into the schools pursuing Iamaleava, it’s important to understand the skill set and potential that has made him one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the nation. Nico Iamaleava is a true five-star talent who was ranked as the top quarterback in the 2024 class and a consensus top-five overall recruit. Standing at 6-foot-5 and possessing a strong, accurate arm, Iamaleava’s physical traits are immediately eye-catching.

His high school career in California saw him put up remarkable numbers, showcasing his ability to make all the necessary throws. He combines impressive athleticism with a keen understanding of the game, making him a dual-threat quarterback capable of extending plays with his legs when needed. Though he was primarily known for his passing ability, his mobility adds another dimension to his game.

Iamaleava’s freshman season at Tennessee, however, didn’t go as planned. Despite high expectations, he struggled to secure the starting role and was limited to backup duties. This led to frustration, and the 2024 season ended with Iamaleava entering the transfer portal. Now, he is in the unique position of choosing from a number of top-tier programs, each offering a fresh start and a chance to revive his college career.

Ohio State: Championship Pedigree and Offensive Firepower

Ohio State, a perennial powerhouse in college football, has long been considered one of the top destinations for elite quarterbacks. With an offensive system that consistently ranks among the best in the country, it’s easy to see why Iamaleava would be intrigued by the possibility of landing in Columbus.

Under head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have turned out some of the best quarterbacks in recent history, including Justin Fields, CJ Stroud, and most recently, Kyle McCord. The system at Ohio State is built to showcase quarterbacks with strong arms and the ability to read defenses quickly, and Iamaleava’s skill set would be a perfect fit. Day’s offense thrives on quick passing and the ability to stretch the field vertically, something Iamaleava has excelled at during his high school career.

Ohio State’s receiving corps is also among the best in the nation, which would provide Iamaleava with the necessary weapons to succeed immediately. Receivers like Emeka Egbuka, Marvin Harrison Jr. (pending any potential early exit for the NFL), and others would give Iamaleava numerous options in the passing game. Couple that with a solid offensive line, and the Buckeyes offer a situation where he could step into an elite program and compete for a national championship from day one.

However, the competition for the starting job would be fierce. With McCord returning as a veteran quarterback, Iamaleava would have to prove himself in an intense battle for the job. That said, Iamaleava’s potential upside and skill set make him a viable contender to claim the role if he decides that Ohio State is the right fit.

Colorado: The Prime Opportunity to Shine

The other major player in the Iamaleava sweepstakes is Colorado, under the leadership of head coach Deion Sanders. Known for his high-profile recruitment and flashy presence, Coach Prime has taken Colorado by storm and injected new life into the program. After an impressive 2024 season that saw Colorado make waves in the Pac-12, the Buffaloes are now one of the most talked-about teams in the country.

For Iamaleava, Colorado presents a unique opportunity to play for a high-profile program while potentially becoming the face of a rejuvenated football team. The Buffaloes have a dynamic offense that thrives on playmaking quarterbacks. Sanders has shown the ability to build strong offensive systems, and with Iamaleava’s dual-threat capability, he would fit well into an offense looking to build around explosive plays.

Moreover, the lack of an established starting quarterback at Colorado would give Iamaleava the chance to step in and potentially take over the reins immediately. Colorado’s program, which is still in the process of rebuilding, would provide him with a chance to become a true leader and develop into one of the country’s top quarterbacks. There’s no doubt that Iamaleava’s presence at Colorado would immediately elevate the program’s profile.

However, there are challenges at Colorado as well. The team’s offensive line and skill positions are still a work in progress, and Iamaleava would need to adapt quickly to the high-pressure environment that comes with playing for a program in the midst of a major transformation. But with Coach Prime’s charisma and offensive acumen, Colorado could be a program that helps Iamaleava find his footing and shine in the Pac-12.

Oregon: A Strong Program with Stability and Growth

Oregon, another major player in the Pac-12, rounds out the list of top contenders for Iamaleava. Under head coach Dan Lanning, the Ducks have become a consistently strong program with championship aspirations. Oregon’s offensive system, combined with a steady recruiting base and recent success, has made it one of the top teams in the Pac-12 and one that could be poised for a national title run in the near future.

Oregon has been known for its high-octane offense and dynamic playcalling, which would suit Iamaleava’s style of play. The Ducks’ focus on spreading the field and utilizing a mix of passing and rushing attacks would give him plenty of opportunities to showcase his skills. In addition, Oregon boasts one of the best offensive lines in the country, something that would alleviate some of the pressures of being a young quarterback.

Perhaps one of the most attractive aspects of Oregon is its stability at quarterback. With Bo Nix returning as the starter in 2025, Iamaleava would have the chance to learn from one of the more experienced quarterbacks in the country. If Iamaleava chooses to join Oregon, he may have to sit behind Nix for a year, but that would give him time to develop his game and be ready to step in when Nix departs for the NFL.

This path, though less immediate than what Ohio State or Colorado offers, would give Iamaleava a chance to grow within a structured program and potentially lead Oregon to greater heights in the coming seasons.

What Does Iamaleava Bring to the Table?

In addition to his physical gifts, Nico Iamaleava brings something equally valuable to the table: leadership. Despite his struggles at Tennessee, he has the maturity and work ethic that elite college programs covet. His high school pedigree as the nation’s top quarterback speaks volumes, and his experience on the biggest stage, even in limited action, will only make him more prepared for a fresh start.

Iamaleava is not just a strong-armed passer, but a quarterback who can make plays off-script. His ability to extend plays with his legs and keep his eyes downfield makes him an ideal candidate for modern offenses that thrive on creating chaos in the pocket. His football IQ, combined with a calm demeanor, allows him to read defenses and make quick decisions — a skillset that could make him a dangerous asset in any offensive system.

Conclusion: The Impact of Iamaleava’s Transfer Decision

The transfer decision of Nico Iamaleava has the potential to shake up the college football landscape. As one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country, his choice of school will have major implications not only for his future but also for the teams that recruit him. Ohio State, Colorado, and Oregon each offer unique opportunities, and each program will have its strengths and challenges in attracting Iamaleava.

For Ohio State, the chance to join a national championship contender in a high-powered offense could be too appealing to pass up. Colorado offers a fresh start with the chance to be the face of a rebuilding program, while Oregon provides stability and growth under a proven coaching staff. No matter where Iamaleava chooses, he will undoubtedly have a major impact on the college football world — and his transfer decision is one that will be followed closely by fans, analysts, and recruits alike.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Iamaleava as he makes his final decision, with Ohio State, Colorado, and Oregon fighting for a quarterback who could help elevate their programs to new heights.