Paul Finebaum warns schools to avoid Nico Iamaleava amid transfer portal turmoil

College football analyst Paul Finebaum has advised teams to avoid pursuing quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who recently entered the transfer portal following a reported NIL dispute with Tennessee. Finebaum argues that concerns extend beyond Iamaleava's talent, focusing instead on the complicated and reportedly toxic atmosphere created by his management team, dubbed 'Team Nico,' and ongoing contract demands. He notes that several schools, including North Carolina and Tulane, have already withdrawn from consideration, and that the attention and drama surrounding Iamaleava could create major distractions for any program. While Finebaum acknowledges Iamaleava's ability and potential to help a team, he questions whether the short-term gains are worth the off-field complications and uncertainty about his long-term impact. The episode highlights broader issues with college football's new NIL landscape, where expectations, money, and outside influences increasingly shape player movement. Tennessee, meanwhile, is credited by some analysts for standing firm in negotiations, though it now faces questions about its own quarterback future.