The Tennessee Volunteers cast a wide net in the transfer portal after star quarterback Nico Iamaleava suddenly left the program. Tennessee was looking through prospects that could ideally take the helm as the new star signal-caller to replace Iamaleava.
The Vols’ search for a replacement led Tennessee to inquire about Kansas State Wildcats dual-threat quarterback Avery Johnson, during the spring portal window. Unfortunately for the Volunteers, the historic college football program did not make much progress.
Kansas State’s program thwarted any overtures from head coach Josh Heupel’s staff.
“We got a (expletive) wall built around him,” a Kansas State source told ESPN’s Chris Low, Max Olson and Adam Rittenberg during a Wednesday feature. “They better bring the Tennessee National Guard.”
Johnson threw for 2,712 yards and 25 touchdowns against 10 interceptions in 2024, demonstrating the kind of production Tennessee desperately sought. His marketability off the field is equally impressive, with an On3 NIL projection pegging him at $1.7 million.
ESPN also reported that Tennessee explored additional options with several Power Four signal-callers, including Illinois Fighting Illini Luke Altmyer and TCU Horned Frogs Josh Hoover. None of these quarterbacks ended up entering the transfer portal.
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