The Ohio State football program will have a new starting quarterback this season now that Will Howard is in the NFL. Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz are currently in a battle for that starting spot. With the Spring Game this weekend, that will give fans a good chance to see both in action.
There has been some news that has created some debate within the Ohio State Buckeyes community. Right now, Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava is trying to get more NIL money. He is currently involved in negotiations with Volunteers, which clearly means he's not all in on playing for them this season.
If negotiations fail, there's a chance that Iamleava will enter the transfer portal this Spring. Some Buckeye fans seem to want to bring him to Columbus, while others do not. That begs the question: would the Buckeyes entertain trying to bring Iamaleava to Ohio State?
Would the Ohio State football program try to bring Nico Iamaleava to Columbus?
The last game that Iamaleava played was against the Buckeyes in the Shoe. He looked woefully unprepared for the beatdown that he was going to receive. Ohio State destroyed the Vols 42-17. He only threw for 104 yards on 14-31 passing in that game, as well.
Ryan Day and his staff got a very close look at him. Based on how he played, as well as his age, it would be very unlikely that the Buckeyes would look to get him out of the transfer portal if he wound up in there. Day usually only goes into the portal to grab otherworldly talents at QB, and Iamaleava is not that.
While Iamaleava is a nice talent, the Buckeyes believe that they have three quarterbacks who are better than him currently on their roster. They believe both Sayin and Kienholz are better, as is true freshman Tavien St. Clair. They don't want to mess that up.
If I had to guess, I would say that Iamaleava returns to Tennessee this season. It would be surprising if he entered the portal for just more money. That would be the only reason for him to leave.