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Nico Iamaleava gone from Tennessee as Heupel says no one is 'bigger than the Power T'
By Canadian Press on April 12, 2025. Tennessee is moving forward without quarterback Nico Iamaleava, and coach Josh Heupel said Saturday he had a simple message to the remaining Volunteers. No one is bigger than the Power T, including the coach himself. Even now in the different landscape that is college football. “This program has […]

By Canadian Press on April 12, 2025.

Tennessee is moving forward without quarterback Nico Iamaleava, and coach Josh Heupel said Saturday he had a simple message to the remaining Volunteers.
No one is bigger than the Power T, including the coach himself.
Even now in the different landscape that is college football.
“This program has been around for a long time with a lot of great coaches and a lot of great players that laid the cornerstone pieces, the legacy, the tradition that is Tennessee football,” Heupel said. “It’s going to be around a long time after I’m done and after they’re gone, and that’s what special about being here is that there is a legacy and a tradition that is so rich and a logo that’s recognized not just across the nation but around the world too.”
Heupel called losing Iamaleava an “unfortunate” situation.” He thanked Iamaleava for his work while at Tennessee. Asked about the timing without notice just before the spring game Saturday, Heupel said there’s never an easy time to lose a player. Heupel told his coaches Friday that he’s lost players at the start of training camp or during the season with adversity a chance to either bring teams together or divide them.
“If it’s going to happen, rip the Band-Aid, too,” Heupel said about losing a player. “At the end of the day, we got a lot of great work for the two guys that are here. We’ve got a chance to move forward as a program. It’s unfortunate in the landscape of college football that it happens at this point.”
Iamaleava had been practicing all spring and expected to be the starting quarterback for a second straight season. Asked when Heupel knew the Vols would not have Iamaleava moving forward, the coach said Friday morning when the quarterback was a “no show” with no communication with Heupel. The Tennessee coach refused to get into details about any discussions with Iamaleava and his representatives.
“He’s moving on, we’re moving on, too,” Heupel said. “We’ll be ready to roll when we get to next fall.”
So Iamaleava was not at Saturday’s Orange and White game and not listed on Tennessee’s roster on the website before the session started. His No. 8 gear also was not inside shops at Neyland Stadium after two days of speculation about Iamaleava’s future with Tennesssee.
Iamaleava is the quarterback whose name, image and likeness deal bringing him to Tennessee prompted an NCAA investigation and a lawsuit by the attorneys general of both Tennessee and Virginia in January 2024. The NCAA was looking at both Tennessee and The Vol Club, an NIL collective run by Spyre Sports Group over the recruitment of the five-star quarterback from California and his NIL contract with Spyre.
The NCAA settled that lawsuit Jan. 31 over its rules prohibiting name, image and likeness compensation for recruits.
Iamaleava helped Tennessee go 10-3 last season and earn a berth in the newly expanded College Football Playoff. According to reports, he was looking for a big hike in his NIL compensation after getting his first start at the 2024 Orange Bowl. The Vols ranked 77th nationally averaging 221.2 yards passing per game last season. Iamaleava played in 18 games and threw for 2,930 yards with 19 of his 21 touchdown passes and all five of his interceptions coming in 2024.
That leaves Heupel with a pair of four-star recruits in Jake Merklinger, who joined Tennessee for spring practice a year ago, and freshman George MacIntyre. Heupel has a commitment from the No. 1 overall recruit for 2026 in quarterback Faizon Brandon out of Greensboro, North Carolina. Merklinger appeared in two games as a freshman and is 6 of 9 for 48 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.
That’s why Heupel will be looking for more experience at quarterback once the transfer portal opens Wednesday. He added Joe Milton, now backing up Dak Prescott with the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, not long after being hired in 2021.
Southeastern Conference rules prohibit players from transferring inside the league during the spring portal window, limiting options for both Tennessee and Iamaleava.
“We’re going to have to find another guy,” Heupel said.
Heupel is going into his fifth season at Tennesssee and sees a program in much better shape and built to win now than when he took over. He said the Vols have plenty of time before opening the season Aug. 30 against Syracuse in Atlanta.
“This program’s ready to go win next fall,” Heupel said. “As a program since we’ve been here, we’ve won with alot of different QBs and done it historically in my career with a lot of different QBs. Some of those guys have been older, some of them have been younger. But we’ll have a quarterback that’s ready to go win and help us compete for a championship.”
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AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
Teresa M. Walker, The Associated Press
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Mountain West News: Jerrod Calhoun, NIL, Nevada football, Jordy Oriach
It’s Monday, and we are back at it! We are now in the lull of the college sports calendar, but never fear, there is still news coming your way. Check out our original coverage and what we can find from the World Wide Web below. For those who care about such things, we are attempting […]

It’s Monday, and we are back at it! We are now in the lull of the college sports calendar, but never fear, there is still news coming your way. Check out our original coverage and what we can find from the World Wide Web below.
For those who care about such things, we are attempting to dive into Bluesky more as well as Twitter. If you are on either of those platforms, give our site account a follow (personal accounts will be in article bios):
Twitter: @MWCConnection
Bluesky: @mwcconnection.bsky.social
Going into his second season at the helm for the Aggies, Coach Calhoun discussed where the score will come from without Ian Martinez and thinks it will be a bit more by committee next year behind Mason Falslev. On the defensive side of the ball, Calhoun wants to become the best defense in the league. He values his team’s versatility, able to go to man, matchup zone, and switch on screens. Also, he likes the length and size they added in the transfer portal, but acknowledged other teams did better in that area and ultimately, the program and his tenure will be judged on the championships they win.
Even with revenue sharing looming, NIL figures to be here to stay in some form, although many of the collectives may be reimagined or consolidated. Bill Paulos is in charge of the UNLV NIL Collective and he says the first question when hiring new coaches is how strong the NIL program is. He tells donors NIL will look different in the near future, so they should donate even if they don’t like the current look of it. He thinks more regulation will be coming to NIL deals and also sees raising funds as the path to the Big 12.
Chris Murray rates his confidence level for each position on a scale of 1 to 10. Running back is the highest spot on offense, at a 7. O-line and tight end are at a 6, while quarterback and wide receiver are at a 5. Over on defense, the defensive line and linebackers both get a 5, while the defensive backs check in at a 6. The lowest confidence score is reserved for the special teams only get a 3.
New Mexico’s Oriach is a semifinalist
Outdoor T&F Champions
On the horizon:
- Later today: A new MW Recruiting Roundup, discussing recruiting camps.
- Coming Tuesday: Reacts Survey
- Coming Tuesday: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly: Kicker/Punter Preview
- Coming Tuesday: Reacts Survey
- Coming Tuesday: Hike’s Peak Podcast Episode 103
- Coming Wednesday: Peak Perspective: 2024 may have been the last of the good old days for Mountain West football.
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#16 Oregon vs Liberty: Super Regional Schedule
It was a dramatic weekend in College Station, Texas for the softball regional. The Liberty Lady Flames, led by head coach Dot Richardson and a veteran group, were able to outlast the No. 1 national seed Texas A&M in a win or go home Game 7 Sunday night, 6-5. With the win, Liberty advances to […]

It was a dramatic weekend in College Station, Texas for the softball regional. The Liberty Lady Flames, led by head coach Dot Richardson and a veteran group, were able to outlast the No. 1 national seed Texas A&M in a win or go home Game 7 Sunday night, 6-5.
With the win, Liberty advances to the program’s first ever Super Regional. The Lady Flames will tangle with No. 16 Oregon in the Super Regionals. The Ducks advanced with two wins Sunday over Stanford.
Here is the schedule for this week’s Super Regional round:
Liberty vs #16 Oregon
Game 1: Friday, May 23, 10 p.m., ESPNU
Game 2: Saturday, May 24, 7 p.m., TV TBD
Game 3: Sunday, May 25, TBD
The best of three series will be played in Eugene, Oregon at Jane Sanders Stadium. The winner of the weekend series will be one of eight teams to advance to the Women’s College World Series scheduled to begin May 29 in Oklahoma City.
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NIL drama heats up as Nick Saban warns college football faces bidding war for talent and fairness hangs in the balance
The NIL Conundrum: A Tug of War Over Talent and Equity In the world of college sports, a seismic shift occurred in July 2021 with the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules, fundamentally altering the landscape of collegiate athletics. This change, monumental in its scope, has ushered in an era of both opportunity […]

The NIL Conundrum: A Tug of War Over Talent and Equity
In the world of college sports, a seismic shift occurred in July 2021 with the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules, fundamentally altering the landscape of collegiate athletics. This change, monumental in its scope, has ushered in an era of both opportunity and uncertainty. At the heart of the ensuing debate stands a towering figure, Nick Saban, whose voice resonates with authority and concern over the future of college football.
A Visionary’s Warning
Nick Saban, a name synonymous with success in college football, has emerged as a vocal critic of the potential pitfalls associated with the NIL rules. His apprehensions are not unfounded; the specter of college football transforming into an outright bidding war for talent looms large. Saban’s perspective is rooted in a deep understanding of the game and its intricacies. His cautionary stance highlights a critical question: Can the essence of collegiate sports be preserved amid the burgeoning influence of financial incentives?
The Heart of the Matter
The crux of the debate centers around fairness and equity. The NIL rules, while designed to empower student-athletes by allowing them to profit from their name, image, and likeness, also open the door to unprecedented challenges. The fear is that wealthier programs could leverage their financial clout to attract top talent, thereby skewing the competitive balance that is a hallmark of college sports. This potential shift towards a pay-to-play model threatens to undermine the principles of amateurism and equal opportunity that have long defined the collegiate athletic experience.
A Delicate Balance
The introduction of NIL rules represents a watershed moment, offering student-athletes newfound freedoms and opportunities. Yet, it also necessitates a delicate balancing act. Ensuring that the pursuit of financial gain does not eclipse the educational and developmental objectives of college sports is paramount. The challenge lies in crafting a framework that safeguards the interests of all stakeholders—athletes, institutions, and fans alike—while maintaining the integrity of the games.
The Road Ahead
As the landscape of college sports continues to evolve in the wake of NIL rules, the dialogue spearheaded by figures like Nick Saban is crucial. The conversation must navigate the complexities of fairness, equity, and the preservation of the collegiate sports ethos. Finding a middle ground that honors the spirit of competition while embracing the modern realities of athlete compensation will be key to shaping the future of college football.
A Reflection on Values and Vision
The ongoing debate over NIL rules and their impact on college football transcends the immediate concerns of recruitment and competition. It touches upon deeper questions about the values that underpin collegiate sports and the vision for their future. As the discourse unfolds, the insights of seasoned leaders like Nick Saban offer a guiding light. The path forward requires a collective commitment to fairness, integrity, and the enduring principles that have made college sports a cherished tradition. In navigating these uncharted waters, the goal must be to uphold the legacy of collegiate athletics while adapting to the changing times with grace and foresight.
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It’s time to give Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz his flowers
In a college football world driven by NIL, the transfer portal, and an ever-changing College Football Playoff landscape, constants and consistency are words that seem to have less to do with the sport ever year. The exception is Kirk Ferentz and Iowa Football. Ferentz will turn 70 years old in August and kick off his […]

In a college football world driven by NIL, the transfer portal, and an ever-changing College Football Playoff landscape, constants and consistency are words that seem to have less to do with the sport ever year.
The exception is Kirk Ferentz and Iowa Football.
Ferentz will turn 70 years old in August and kick off his 27th season at the helm of Hawkeye football just a few weeks later. Both his age and longevity are rarities in today’s game, and that longevity does not happen without a certain level of consistent success.
It’s time for us as college football fans to collectively recognize and respect what Kirk Ferentz has done.
Ferentz took over Iowa football in 1999. Bill Clinton was still in office. If you’re keeping score, we’ve had five different presidents and six different presidencies during Ferentz’s tenure in Iowa City. That alone is a solid bar room conversation starter.
In terms of actual coaching accolades, Kirk Ferentz has three Big Ten division titles and two Big Ten conference championships to his name. He was the AP and Walter Camp National Coach of the Year in 2002 and won the Bobby Dodd, Eddie Robinson, and Woody Hayes National Coach of the Year awards in 2015.
He has also won the Big Ten Coach of the Year award four times.
Ferentz has only had three losing seasons during his 26 years as Iowa’s head coach, and one of those was a result of losing a bowl game to finish with a 6-7 record. When you take out the shortened Covid season of 2020, Iowa averages just shy of 8 wins a season during his tenure. That would be an impressive run for an entire program over that span, let alone a single head coach.
Perhaps his most impressive accomplishment is turning Iowa football into an NFL factory despite its geographic recruiting advantages. Ferentz, his staff, and his system have mastered the art of player development. There are currently 38 former Iowa players on NFL rosters or in NFL camps. Of those 38 players, 20 of them were 3-star recruits according to 247 Sports. Four of them were 2-stars.
Iowa football rarely beats itself on Saturday. Instead, they sit back and wait for opponents to make a mistake. More often than not, the Hawkeyes jump all over that mistake in the form of one big play that turns the tide in their favor.
Kirk Ferentz has given Iowa football and its fans an identity. They are the model of consistency and toughness in college football. They know exactly who they are, and in a world of coaching carousels, you can’t put a price tag on that.
There will be a lot of questions about coaches, teams, players, and playoffs when the 2025 college football season kicks off this August. Thanks to Kirk Ferentz, there will be few questions from anyone about what to expect from a football standpoint in Iowa City, IA.
For us college football purists and old souls, Kirk Ferentz is the last remaining relic from the game we fell in love with. It’s time for the collective college football watching nation to acknowledge and respect what he has done before he leaves the sport.`
NIL
2025 NCAA Softball Tournament: Super Regional matchups officially set
The first stage of the NCAA Tournament has concluded, and we are one step closer to crowning a champion of college softball. Following an exciting Regional round this weekend, the Super Regionals are set. The second stage of the tournament will feature eight best of three series between Regional champions. These matchups will begin play […]

The first stage of the NCAA Tournament has concluded, and we are one step closer to crowning a champion of college softball. Following an exciting Regional round this weekend, the Super Regionals are set.
The second stage of the tournament will feature eight best of three series between Regional champions. These matchups will begin play on May 22 and conclude on May 26, if a game three is necessary. The winners of these two cities will meet in Oklahoma City at the 2025 Women’s College World Series later this month.
One of the biggest storylines to follow coming into the tournament is whether or not Patty Gasso and the Oklahoma Sooners can win a fifth-straight NCAA Championship. In their first-year in the SEC, they won the regular season outright and were co-SEC Tournament champions with Texas A&M after a weather delay turned into a cancellation of the conference championship game. Their road to the College World Series is not yet paved, though, and they’ll have some stiff competition if they want to achieve the ultra-rare five-peat.
2025 NCAA Softball Super Regional matchups
Eugene Super Regional: Liberty vs. No. 16 Oregon
Game 1: TBD
Game 2: TBD
Game 3 (if necessary): TBD
Norman Super Regional: No. 2 Oklahoma vs. No. 15 Alabama
Game 1: TBD
Game 2: TBD
Game 3 (if necessary): TBD
Gainesville Super Regional: No. 3 Florida vs. Georgia
Game 1: TBD
Game 2: TBD
Game 3 (if necessary): TBD
Fayetteville Super Regional: No. 4 Arkansas vs. Ole Miss
Game 1: TBD
Game 2: TBD
Game 3 (if necessary): TBD
Tallahassee Super Regional: No. 5 Florida State vs. No. 12 Texas Tech
Game 1: TBD
Game 2: TBD
Game 3 (if necessary): TBD
Austin Super Regional: No. 6 Texas vs. No. 11 Clemson
Game 1: TBD
Game 2: TBD
Game 3 (if necessary): TBD
Knoxville Super Regional: No. 7 Tennessee vs. Nebraska
Game 1: TBD
Game 2: TBD
Game 3 (if necessary): TBD
Columbia Super Regional: No. 8 South Carolina vs. No. 9 UCLA
Game 1: TBD
Game 2: TBD
Game 3 (if necessary): TBD
All times ET.
2025 Women’s College World Series
May 29 through June 5 or 6 at Devon Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
NIL
Agencies are taking a bigger role in connecting their clients with the fashion world
Fashion and sports have been connected for decades, evolving from simple brand deals for shoes and shirts to becoming a way for some of the world’s biggest agencies to leverage their clients’ love of wearing elaborate and extravagant outfits. From the biggest players in the space such as CAA, Klutch and Wasserman, to independent agencies […]


Fashion and sports have been connected for decades, evolving from simple brand deals for shoes and shirts to becoming a way for some of the world’s biggest agencies to leverage their clients’ love of wearing elaborate and extravagant outfits. From the biggest players in the space such as CAA, Klutch and Wasserman, to independent agencies such as Priority Sports, agencies are increasingly making more moves into fashion as a long-term play for clients and, ultimately, cultural capital.
“Obviously, fashion helps lead pop culture and sets a tone for the zeitgeist in the entertainment community,” said CAA fashion agent Elizabeth Mitchell. “So we help make the connectivity between [clients] and the actual fashion platform — whether that be a product line, capsule, runway show, all of those types of things — just to help identify a conversation between parties and so, ultimately, everybody can monetize it.”
CAA Sports features clients including active NBA players Jalen Green of the Houston Rockets, Jaren Jackson of the Memphis Grizzlies and Kyle Kuzma of the Milwaukee Bucks, as well as retired legends Dwyane Wade and Venus and Serena Williams. CAA provides access to marquee brands and big events, often finding connective tissues between divisions under the CAA umbrella.
In a similar vein, Rich Paul’s Klutch Sports has begun diving deeper into fashion with the addition earlier this year of a dedicated individual to lead that department in-house, though it asked that her name not be made public. It’s a shift from resorting to using outside firms to advise on deals and collaborations. Those employees at Klutch often work closely with United Talent Agency, a Klutch partner, and its fashion division. Most recently, Klutch client and Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts attended the 2025 Met Gala on behalf of British luxury fashion house Burberry.
“You look at someone like Jalen and he’s incredible for us,” said Eric Eways, head of marketing for Klutch. “He had a lot of creative freedom in that event for picking out his outfit, and it’s another way to show him without the helmet and a little bit of his personality, especially with his significant other. It was still him, just in a different light.
“But [fashion] is something that he also just frankly enjoys. It’s not about necessarily a marketing play tied to it, but more about expressing himself.”
The rise of social media deserves some credit for the increased connection between brands and athletes. Brands can get a quick bump from athletes repping them on game day, and athletes can cultivate their own images through social media platforms, especially Instagram.
“All everyone is talking about is the tunnel walk. Athletes have created an environment for them to be special and branded, and some are really intentional with their look. They work with stylists amd tag brands on social media,” said Circe Wallace, Wasserman executive vice president of Women’s Sports, Olympics and Action Sports. “You’re even seeing brands reach out for opportunities in the tunnel.”
When it comes to forging brand deals and collaborations, it starts with authenticity. Sometimes, athletes will wear fashion items without an official deal with a particular brand, making it easier for agencies to pitch a partnership.
Priority client and 76ers guard Miles McBride had been interested in apparel from luxury fashion house Acne Studios long before he joined the NBA in 2021. By the time he was finally in the league, he had begun wearing Acne products through tunnel walks, which helped the agency reach out about teaming up.
“Miles loves Acne Studios,” said Alex Shaw, Priority Sports’ marketing manager. “Sometimes the players won’t even tell us. But if I see that he’s wearing something a lot, I’ll reach out to that brand, send it to their PR group and show them that he’s been wearing them authentically and spending his own money.
“That then builds the relationship. Some opportunities do come across our desk, but we’re usually pretty intentional and aggressive about trying to get out there.”
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