University of Tennessee athletics is under NCAA investigation for potential rules violations.
The NCAA investigation is regarding name, image and likeness benefits for student-athletes in multiple sports, including football, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel.
“Tennessee is under investigation by the NCAA for what is believed to be alleged major violations related to NIL, sources confirm to CBS Sports,” Dennis Dodd announced. “The case is believed to center around quarterback Nico Iamaleava and Spyre Sports Group, Tennessee’s largest collective.”
Name, image and likeness went into effect on July 1, 2021.
The NCAA placed Tennessee on five years probation in July 2023. Former Tennessee football head coach Jeremy Pruitt was also issued a six-year show-cause penalty.
The Vols also had 28 football scholarships taken away over five years, stemming from violations committed during Pruitt’s tenure as head coach. Tennessee already self-imposed 16 scholarships from 2021-22.
Pruitt served as Tennessee’s head coach from 2018-20. Josh Heupel replaced Pruitt and has compiled a 27-12 record since 2021.