How Nico Iamaleava’s decision to stay at UCLA could lead to Tennessee landing a transfer QB with a unique connection to the Vols
The Tennessee Vols need to add a transfer quarterback to the roster this offseason.
It’s no secret that the Tennessee Vols need to add a transfer quarterback to their roster this offseason.
With redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger hitting the transfer portal and senior Joey Aguilar unlikely to return in 2026, it leaves true freshman George MacIntyre and five-star signee Faizon Brandon as Tennessee’s only scholarship quarterbacks entering the offseason.
For now, it’s unclear if the Vols will target a top transfer quarterback in the portal (which could be pricey) or if they’ll pursue a more affordable option.
Former Vols QB Nico Iamaleava could unintentionally help Tennessee’s QB search
One transfer quarterback that could make some sense for the Volunteers is James Madison quarterback Alonza Barnett III.
Barnett, who led James Madison to the College Football Playoff this season, is expected to enter the transfer portal when it opens on Jan. 2.
The Greensboro, NC native passed for 2,806 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 2025. He also rushed for 589 yards and 15 touchdowns.
UCLA recently hired Bob Chesney away from James Madison to replace DeShaun Foster as the Bruins’ head coach.
Barnett, however, probably isn’t a candidate to follow Chesney to UCLA. And that’s because quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who served as UT’s starting quarterback in 2024 before joining the Bruins ahead of the 2025 season, recently announced that he’s returning to UCLA in 2026.
It’s too early to know if Tennessee will pursue Barnett, but there are a couple of unique connections between the James Madison transfer and the Vols.
Barnett, who has one season of eligibility remaining, played high school football at Grimsley in Greensboro, which is the same high school that Vols five-star signee Faizon Brandon attended (the two players missed being at Grimsley at the same time by one year).
Additionally, Barnett’s dad played college football at North Carolina A&T, arriving the year after Alan Hooker’s Aggies career wrapped up (Alan is the dad of former Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker).
We’ll see if Tennessee gets involved with Barnett. There would certainly be some irony if Iamaleava’s decision to stay at UCLA ends up helping the Vols land a transfer quarterback.
Tennessee Volunteers News
‘He’s going to be incredible in college’ – Analyst says Tennessee may have the future No. 1 overall draft pick on their roster
The Tennessee Vols may have a future No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick on their roster.
