The Athletic’s Stewart Mandel delivered a memorable response when asked to compare the unpopularity of Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava to Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison.
Iamaleava has faced intense scrutiny amid reports of his potential transfer to UCLA. The quarterback’s situation has generated significant attention across college football in recent weeks.
When asked which Nico was more disliked – Iamaleava in Tennessee or Harrison in Dallas after reportedly considering trading Luka Doncic – Mandel didn’t hesitate.
“Only if Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava could go back in time and trade Peyton Manning to USC would he be less popular than Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison,” Mandel wrote.
The comparison draws on Manning’s legendary status at Tennessee. The Hall of Fame quarterback remains the most celebrated player in Volunteers history.
Despite the ongoing transfer discussions, no one had previously connected Iamaleava to Manning in this context.
Manning would likely have commanded substantial NIL compensation had such opportunities existed during his collegiate career.
The hypothetical scenario of Manning in a USC uniform presents a striking alternative football history.
Mandel’s cross-sport reference effectively captures the magnitude of both situations while adding perspective to the current transfer discussions.
