Devy Fantasy Football: Sell Nico Iamaleava (2025)

The world of devy fantasy football is built on potential, and few players in recent years have carried as much hype surrounding their potential as Nico Iamaleava. A five-star recruit with an elite arm and tantalizing athleticism, he was expected to be the future of Tennessee football and a top NFL prospect.

But as we’ve seen repeatedly, high school rankings don’t always translate to success at the next level. Spencer Rattler and D.J. Uiagalelei are the two high-profile cautionary tales. Each was a first-round pick that left devy managers licking their wounds.

Is Nico Iamaleava the next high-profile whiff, or is he the real deal at the next level?

Devy Fantasy Football Sell: Nico Iamaleava (2025)

Illusion of a Generational Talent

Nico Iamaleava’s recruitment was among the biggest stories in recent college football history. A $7 million-plus NIL deal added fuel to the fire, creating sky-high expectations before Iamaleava ever took a meaningful snap. While NIL money doesn’t dictate a player’s ability, it did amplify the belief that Iamaleava was to be the next big thing. But as we’ve seen on the field, hype doesn’t always equal results.

Across eight SEC games last season, Iamaleava posted a 9:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Almost half of those came in one game against Vanderbilt. In those eight games, he passed for 1,605 yards (averaging 200.6 yards per game) and rushed for another 173 yards (averaging 21.6 yards per game). Certainly not the lofty numbers you would want in Josh Heupel’s offense.

Iamaleava’s struggles went beyond the box score. Early in the season, he showed flashes as a runner, looking smooth and athletic. As the year progressed, he often appeared hesitant and indecisive, unsure when and how to use his legs. At times, his scrambling looked awkward and unbalanced. This was not due to a lack of athleticism, but because he lacked confidence in his decision-making. His discomfort was evident in big moments, particularly against Florida where he never seemed settled in the pocket nor on the move.

That’s not to say Iamaleava is devoid of talent. His arm is special; he has a quick release, pinpoint accuracy and more velocity than he often is credited for. However, all of that is meaningless if he can’t process the game at the speed required to be elite. His decision-making, pocket presence and ability to read defenses remain major question marks, which cast doubt on his long-term NFL outlook.

The Five-Star Fallacy

Iamaleava isn’t the first highly-rated quarterback to struggle, and he won’t be the last. The correlation between being a high-profile recruit and becoming an NFL-caliber quarterback is shaky at best. For every success story, there are multiple five-star recruits who never live up to the billing. The jump from high school to college is steep, and the transition to the NFL is even steeper. Projecting quarterbacks in devy is a particularly precarious game; the number of college quarterbacks who develop into fantasy-relevant NFL players is alarmingly low.

Many elite recruits dominate in high school thanks to superior athleticism or arm talent, but when forced to win with processing, mechanics and consistency, they falter. Entering his junior season, Iamaleava still has time to improve, but the early signs suggest he may not be the surefire NFL asset many once believed.

RELATED: 2025 Devy Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Three-Round Startup

Sell While the Hype Still Exists

Despite his struggles, Iamaleava still carries name value. Devy managers love chasing the next big thing, particularly at quarterback, and the hope for a resurgent 2025 season will keep him relevant for now. That presents an opportunity before the season. His value will plummet if he doesn’t take the step forward that many expect, so now is the time to capitalize.

If you can move Iamaleava for a more stable asset or even an up-and-coming quarterback with less risk, that is worth considering. Betting on raw tools over proven performance is always a gamble, and right now Iamaleava looks like a risky investment. Don’t be caught holding the bag when the rest of the devy community catches on. Sell while you still can.

Trade Example & Explanation

• Send: Nico Iamaleava (QB, Tennessee) and a 2026 second-round pick.
• Receive: Geno Smith (QB, Las Vegas Raiders)

This trade upgrades a risky devy asset for proven NFL production. Geno Smith has established himself as a reliable starting quarterback in the NFL. Sure, the 35-year-old has some “tread on the tires,”  but that experience is exactly the case for Smith. Las Vegas traded for him from Seattle and a new deal will likely be done this summer, giving him some protected value. If you need a solid QB2 in your superflex spot, he provides immediate value. Smith also presents a clear example of a low risk, high floor player. Unlike Iamaleava, whose NFL outlook remains uncertain, Smith’s role is already designed. Even if he isn’t a top-tier fantasy QB, he offers consistency.

If you need an immediate starting quarterback, this trade makes sense. While Iamaleava could develop into a fantasy-relevant NFL QB, the uncertainty surrounding his future makes Smith or a similar player the safer bet. Meanwhile, your trade partner takes a shot on a potential future starter while adding valuable draft capital.

RELATED: Devy Fantasy Football Sell: Zachariah Branch (2025)

Thanks for reading my article on selling Nico Iamaleava in Devy Fantasy Football! For more Devy and College Fantasy Football content, follow me on Twitter/X @PoshplaysFF.