BREAKING NEWS: Arkansas Seeks Return of NIL Funds from Madden Iamaleava, Other Transfer Portal Exits

Arkansas Seeks NIL Refunds After Madden Iamaleava, Others Exit via Transfer Portal

Arkansas is looking to recoup NIL money from freshman quarterback Madden Iamaleava and other players who entered the transfer portal this spring, according to Front Office Sports. The move comes after Iamaleava announced his decision to transfer to UCLA, less than a year after joining the Razorbacks.

Via HawgSports, Arkansas Athletics Director Hunter Yurachek issued a statement supporting enforcement of NIL contract buyout clauses throughout college athletics. His statement came shortly after Iamaleava’s portal entry, emphasizing the importance of holding athletes accountable to their NIL agreements.

Amanda Christovich of Front Office Sports also reported that Arkansas’ NIL collective, Arkansas Edge, sent demand letters to multiple players, requesting they honor buyout provisions tied to their NIL deals.

Iamaleava, the younger brother of former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava, had risen up Arkansas’ depth chart and was expected to serve as the primary backup to returning starter Taylen Green. He has since committed to UCLA, joining his older brother, who also recently transferred from Tennessee after reportedly seeking a better NIL deal in the SEC.

“I have spoken with the leadership team at Arkansas Edge and expressed my support in their pursuit to enforce their rights under any agreement violated by our student-athletes,” Yurachek said. “We appreciate Edge’s investment in our student-athletes and acknowledge that enforcing these agreements is vital in this new era of college athletics.”

Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman had praised Madden Iamaleava earlier in the spring, comparing his playmaking ability and vision to that of former Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson.

“The last guy I coached like that as a true freshman was Lamar Jackson,” Pittman said. “His vision and release—he can throw a post for a touchdown out of nowhere. That’s rare. Now, he still needs to learn the playbook, no question. But that kind of talent is hard to teach.”

The situation is part of a larger wave of NIL-related complications and player movement, as programs and collectives work to adjust to the evolving college football landscape.