Nico Iamaleava advisor helping Demond Williams leave Washington, per report

One of the instigators of Nico Iamaleava's exit from Tennessee football was also involved with quarterback Demond Williams' stunning departure from Washington, ESPN reported.

Cordell Landers was an advisor to Iamaleava during a dispute over NIL pay in April 2025 that led to Iamaleava abruptly leaving UT during spring practice, entering the portal and transferring to UCLA. Iamaleava didn't have an agent at the time, and Landers sometimes filled that role alongside Nic Iamaleava, Nico's father.

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At the time, Iamaleava was among the highest paid players in college football, reportedly earning more than $2 million per year under a multi-year NIL deal at Tennessee. Chris Low, then at ESPN, reported that Iamaleava's representatives wanted his pay increased to $4 million per year, using the possibility of him entering the portal as leverage.

ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that Landers has resurfaced as an advisor to Williams, who announced his intention to enter the portal four days after signing an NIL contract that pays more than $4 million.

Landers has contacted schools on Williams' behalf to land him a lucrative deal, according to the report. Landers denied his involvement. Washington is pursing legal action to enforce Williams' contract.

Landers is a former junior college coach and University of Florida director of player personnel under Dan Mullen. He is a longtime friend of the Iamaleava family, and he coached Nico's 7-on-7 team in high school. He often traveled to Knoxville with the Iamaleava family and attempted to negotiate a raise for Nico before the quarterback left Tennessee.

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Meanwhile, Williams' situation could have a domino effect on Tennessee's current search for a quarterback.

LSU is reportedly interested in Williams, and it already hosted Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt. And Leavitt arrived at Tennessee on Jan. 7 for a portal recruiting visit, and he remains in Knoxville.

Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Nico Iamaleava advisor helping Demond Williams leave Washington, per report