Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel sent a not-so-subtle message about NIL agents at SEC Media Days in Atlanta this week. 

Heupel made it clear to ESPN's Chris Low that he's not a big fan of dealing with the "new wave" of NIL agents, while also pointing out that the "fly-by-night uncle from two towns over" are the ones who are the real headaches. 

Tennessee's Josh Heupel isn't a fan of dealing with the new wave of agents in recruiting. Asked if they were all polished, he said facetiously, "Yes sir. Make sure you quote me on that." He joked the "fly-by-night uncle from two towns over" are the ones that are the headaches.

— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) July 15, 2025

Those comments from Heupel come just a couple of months after Tennessee went through a highly-publicized breakup with quarterback Nico Iamaleava. 

The catalyst for the breakup was a report from On3 which stated that Iamaleava was in active NIL negotiations. 

According to ESPN, a family friend by the name of Cordell Landers helped represent Iamaleava during NIL negotiations. 

"Iamaleava's future is in the hands of his father, Nic, and a trusted family friend named Cordell Landers, a former Florida personnel staffer. Both are representing the quarterback in discussions with schools," wrote ESPN's Pete Thamel and Max Olson in April. 

The Athletic also reported Landers' involvement in Iamaleava's NIL negotiations. 

Whether or not Heupel's comment is directed at Landers or is just a broad statement is unknown, though it's worth noting that Heupel spoke to Low this week about the Vols' quarterback situation in the wake of Iamaleava's departure from Tennessee. 

It's also worth noting that Heupel made sure to point out this week that he loves Nico. 

"Our football team, they cared about Nico," said Heupel. "And Nico is going to be a great player. He's going to have a great career. And I love Nico. I think it's hard for your players in that moment (when Nico transferred). But I think in leadership of any kind, clear, consistent, transparent communication, and also timely [communication] that allows your people to handle it the best that they can [is important]."

Regardless of whether Heupel's comment was aimed at the Iamaleava camp, it's clear (and understandable) that he's not a fan of amateur agents trying to help young athletes navigate NIL deals. 

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