Tennessee coach Josh Heupel was on the team bus Saturday morning as it pulled in front of Neyland Stadium for the annual spring game. It was the end of a tumultuous, and potentially career-defining, week.

The Volunteers had just split with their star quarterback, Nico Iamaleava, after an attempted renegotiation of Iamaleava’s compensation for the 2025 season fell through.

Heupel and Iamaleava had always had a strong relationship, but when the QB didn’t report to practice Friday, there was little choice. “We’re moving on as a program without him,” Heupel would say later.

After all, how can you run a college team when your leader is holding out?

“There’s nobody bigger than the ‘Power T,'” Heupel said.

A great line. And a true one that would ring out as a rallying cry to NIL-weary coaches across the country: “If they want to play holdout, they might as well play get out,” Miami coach Mario Cristobal echoed.

Still, this is the SEC. This is major college football with all the expectations and pressure. This is a coaching profession where careers can turn on a single game, let alone season. “Do it the right way” tends to work only if you win.

As Heupel was about to step off the bus to face a crowd of Volunteers fans, his team was, at least on paper, less of a contender than two days prior. The reaction could have gone in any direction.

He was greeted with roaring cheers.

Iamaleava’s legacy as a quarterback remains unknown, a work in progress for the 20-year-old with three years of collegiate eligibility remaining.

In terms of his impact on the early days of the NIL era in college football though, he is a seminal figure, somehow representing both ends of the pendulum swing of player empowerment.

In the spring of 2022, Iamaleava, then just a high school junior, agreed to a four-year deal worth approximately $8 million with Tennessee’s NIL collective, Spyre Sports Group. It included a $350,000 up-front payment, per reporting by the Athletic, with money paid out during his senior season at Warren High School in California.

It was a bold, and strategically smart, play by Tennessee. While other schools were wading cautiously into NIL and the NCAA was feverishly trying to set up so-called “guardrails,” the Vols smartly saw where things were headed. When the NCAA eventually challenged the deal, the state’s attorney general stepped in and won an injunction.

Now, however, the player who was once cheered and who was paid millions before becoming the full-time starter is the poster child for NIL backlash. Rather than play out the final season of his deal — which would pay him about $2.2 million — Iamaleava reportedly wanted some $4 million that was commensurate with what other quarterbacks who transferred this year were getting.

Asking for more was Iamaleava’s right, but with rights comes risk. As with any negotiation, you can push too far.

Iamaleava is a promising and tough player, but 11 of his 19 touchdown passes last season came against lesser competition. He has great potential, but something didn’t sit right in Knoxville with how the process has played out.

This felt obnoxious.

“It’s unfortunate, just the situation and where we’re at with Nico,” Heupel said. “I want to thank him for everything that he’s done since he’s gotten here … a great appreciation for that side of it.”

That said, if being the starter and cornerstone at Tennessee — with its rich history, its massive fan base, its QB-developing head coach, its SEC spotlight and years of familiarity — isn’t enough without a few more bucks, then so be it.

It can’t all be about money, even these days.

“This program’s been around for a long time,” Heupel said. “A lot of great coaches, a lot of great players that came before, laid the cornerstone pieces, the legacy, the tradition that is Tennessee football. It’s going to be around a long time after I’m done and after they’re gone.”

Whatever games Tennessee might lose without Iamaleava, it gained in dignity by drawing a line in the sand. That’s what the fans were rightfully cheering; a boomerang that saw the school claw back some power.

Just as Iamaleava had the right under current rules to walk away if his demands weren’t meant, so too could the Volunteers. If it’s all business, then let it be all about business.

Iamaleava will be fine, mind you. He has already made more money than most Americans ever will, and he can’t legally drink yet. And this isn’t the first of these kinds of disputes, just the first that was so public and messy.

Iamaleava might or might not get $4 million next season. Negotiations were poorly managed, costing the player leverage and reputation. The market for a guy with questionable commitment, especially during the late transfer cycle, could be limited, what with big-time schools mostly set at QB.

He will still get plenty though. Would he have developed better long term under Heupel playing for the Vols? Well, Iamaleava didn’t think it was worth finding out.

Again, his career, his choice. It’s all fair game.

As for Tennessee, it might not even take a step back this season. Having a QB focused on his next deal rarely works in the first place. This might even be a boost for team chemistry.

Long term, it’s still Tennessee. It’s still Rocky Top. Heupel still has the No. 1 quarterback recruit in the Class of 2026 — Faizon Brandon of North Carolina — committed.

Most importantly, the Vols served a very public reminder that spending cash doesn’t assure anything. Money matters, but it has to be on the right guys — just as it is in the NFL or NBA. Think of how some of those big-budget Texas A&M recruiting classes worked out.

Ohio State is believed to have had the largest NIL budget last season. If it had gone to players who cared only about their deals and not each other, the Buckeyes would have collapsed after the loss to Michigan. Instead they got stronger.

What Iamaleava, once the poster child for players getting their value when he was still a recruit, has become is proof that a team can have values, too.

A program has to stand for something.

Tennessee showed it does, and that is why Heupel, at the end of a difficult week, found Tennessee fans standing for something as well.

To cheer.

Headlining today’s Green Deals is the second phase of EcoFlow’s ongoing Mega Sale, which is not only expanding the lineup of power station deals that are up to 65% off, but also continuing the EcoCredit rewards, adding bonus savings, and dropping prices on several units for new lows. Among them, we spotted the DELTA Pro bundle with two 220W solar panels and a protective bag going lower than ever to $2,279. Next, running as part of Hiboy’s Easter Sale, the brand is launching its new cargo-capable U2 Pro Electric Scooter with a 34-mile range at $600 off. Lastly, we have Goal Zero’s Sherpa 100AC 25,600mAh 100W Wireless AC Power Bank that features five port options, a wireless charging pad, and solar-charging capabilities at $200 alongside a counterpart model. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s ongoing Lectric XP Trike bundle, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

EcoFlow expands lineup with up to 65% off power stations during second phase of Mega Sale starting from $119

EcoFlow has shifted to the second phase of its ongoing Mega Sale through April 25, with up to 65% taken off power stations and solar generator bundles, complete with extra savings, EcoCredit rewards, and upcoming flash sale offers. One returning bundle that is dropping lower than ever is the DELTA Pro Portable Power Station that comes with two 220W solar panels and a protective bag for $2,279.05 shipped, after using the code 25EFMFAFF at checkout for a bonus 5% off. Normally fetching $5,096 at full price, we’ve seen this same bundle go as low as $2,374 in past sales, which is getting beaten out here today. With the bonus savings you’ll be scoring $2,817 off the going rate here, which lands the package down at the lowest rate we have seen to date.

Before we jump into the specifics of our headlining deal, let’s go over the bonuses we’re seeing during this Mega Sale’s second phase. First, while you would normally have to spend at least $2,500 to score the automatic 5% in extra savings, you can instead score it on orders under that amount thanks to the exclusive code 25EFMFAFF at checkout. From there, you’ll bump that amount to 7% off automatically on orders of $5,000 or more. There are some exceptions though, which you can get the full list of by hovering over the extra savings sections on the page. We’re also seeing the continued EcoCredit rewards here, with 3x the EcoCredits from purchases for standard members and 3.5x EcoCredits for Plus members.

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The EcoFlow DELTA Pro is one of the most popular and expansive options for backup power support from the brand, with this solar generator kit being quite the start-up for your needs that can be further invested in and built up over time. The LiFePO4 batteries start with a 3,600Wh capacity that you can further expand up to 25kWh with future investments in add-on equipment. Its 14 ports dish out 3,600W of power output, which will cover most appliances, with things surging up to 7,200W to ensure essential devices stay running.

Plugging the power station into a wall outlet will have the station’s battery recharged in 1.8 hours, or you can refill its capacity in 2.8 hours should you have the maximum 1,600W of solar input available (with the 440W here obviously taking more time). Keeping track of its settings and monitoring charging statuses doesn’t have to keep you nearby either, as the companion app gives you the full array of remote smart controls you’d expect, it just takes a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection.

***Note: The 5% sitewide coupon has not been factored in to the prices below, make sure to enter the code 25EFMFAFF at checkout to score the maximum savings!

EcoFlow’s Member-only deals:

• RIVER 2 Max (512Wh) power station: $309 (Reg. $469)
• DELTA 3 (1,024Wh) power station: $529 (Reg. $699)
• Two DELTA 2 (2,048Wh) power stations: $849 (Reg. $1,998)
• DELTA 3 Plus (1,024wh) with 220W solar panel: $899 (Reg. $1,448)
• DELTA 2 Max (2,048Wh) with two 220W solar panels: $1,499 (Reg. 3,276)
• DELTA Pro 3 (4,096Wh) with smart generator 4000: $4,199 (Reg. $5,498)
• Two DELTA Pro 3s (8,192Wh) with 50A hub: $5,399 (Reg. $7,697)
• DELTA Pro Ultra (12.2kWh) with expansion battery: $6,999 (Reg. $9,397)
• DELTA Pro Ultra (6.1kWh) with four 400W rigid panels: $5,579 (Reg. $7,697)

EcoFlow’s member-only refurbished deals (use code MEM5OFF at checkout)

EcoFlow’s best second phase Mega Sale power station deals:

• DELTA 2 (1,024Wh) power station: $499 (Reg. $999)
• DELTA 3 Plus (1,024wh) power station: $629 (Reg. $799)
• DELTA 2 Max (2,048Wh) power station: $999 (Reg. $1,899)
• DELTA Pro (3,600Wh) power station: $1,899 (Reg. $3,699)
• DELTA Pro 3 (4,096Wh) power station: $2,799 (Reg. $3,699)
• DELTA Pro Ultra (6.1kWh to 21.6kWh) power station: $4,799 (Reg. $6,098)

EcoFlow’s best second phase Mega Sale bundle deals:

• DELTA 2 (1,024Wh) with two 100W rigid solar panels: $649 (Reg. $1,238)
• DELTA 2 (1,024Wh) with 220W solar panel: $799 (Reg. $1,648)
• DELTA 2 (2,048Wh) with expansion battery and two 110W panels: $999 (Reg. $2,596)
• DELTA 2 Max (2,048Wh) with alternator charger: $1,099 (Reg. $1,899)
• DELTA 2 Max (2,048Wh) with 220W solar panel: $1,299 (Reg. $2,548)
• DELTA Pro (3,600Wh) with 400W solar panel: $2,299 (Reg. $4,898)
• DELTA Pro 3 (4,096Wh) with 400W solar panel: $3,039 (Reg. $3,699)
• DELTA Pro (7,200Wh) with expansion battery: $3,323 (Reg. $6,498)

EcoFlow’s other hot second phase Mega Sale bundles:

• RIVER 3 Plus (286Wh) with 45W solar panel (new model): $279 (Reg. $299)
  • comes with free tool pegboard
• RIVER 2 Pro (768Wh) power station: $359 (Reg. $678)
• RIVER 2 Pro (768Wh) with 220W solar panel: $769 (Reg. $1,248)
• DELTA 3 Plus (2,048Wh) with expansion battery: $1,099 (Reg. $1,398)
• DELTA 2 Max (4,096Wh) with expansion battery: $1,899 (Reg. $3,298)
• DELTA Pro 3 (4,096Wh) with 500W bifacial panel: $3,299 (Reg. $4,598)
• DELTA Pro 3 (8, 192Wh) with expansion battery: $4,699 (Reg. $6,298)
• DELTA Pro Ultra (6.1kWh) with Smart Home Panel 2: $5,858 (Reg. $7,997)

EcoFlow’s add-on accessory deals:

• GLACIER Plug-in Battery, wheels, lever, and bag bundle: $164 (Reg. $468)
• DELTA 2 Smart Extra Battery: $479 (Reg. $799)
• DELTA 3 Series Smart Extra Battery: $569 (Reg. $599)
• DELTA 2 Max Smart Extra Battery: $949 (Reg. $1,399)
• DELTA Pro Smart Extra Battery: $1,499 (Reg. $2,799)
• DELTA Pro 3 Smart Extra Battery: $1,999 (Reg. $2,599)
• DELTA Pro Ultra Battery: $2,499 (Reg. $3,299)

EcoFlow’s solar accessory deals:

EcoFlow’s other accessory deals:

You can browse the full lineup of EcoFlow’s second phase Mega Sale by following the link here to the landing page – and remember, you have through April 25 to take advantage of these deals. Be sure to also keep an eye out for the upcoming 24-hour flash sale offers too.

Hiboy launches new cargo-capable U2 Pro e-scooter with a 34-mile range and 25MPH top speed at $900 ($600 off)

Running as part of its Easter Sale, Hiboy is launching its brand new U2 Pro Electric Scooter with a significant discount to $899.98 shipped along with a handy free device for its upkeep. This all-new commuting solution will carry a $1,500 price tag normally, but it’s hitting the ground today with the very first chance at cash savings here. You’ll be getting a 40% markdown while these savings last, cutting $600 from the tag and setting the bar for future deals down the road. What’s more, you’ll even be getting some free gear too, as it comes with a 2-in-1 tire inflator and vacuum device that is valued at $70.

Hiboy’s new U2 Pro Electric Scooter is cruising onto the scene with a sitting-oriented design that carries a 265-pound payload, as opposed to the usual standing frames we see from the brand. The 750W motor here peaks up to 810W in order to tackle inclines up to 20 degrees, delivering a top speed of 25 MPH. The 48V 13Ah battery provides enough juice to carry you for up to 34 miles on a single charge, with a 3.5-inch thick memory foam seat for added comfort during your journey. The whole thing comes with an IPX4 water-resistance rating that protects it from light rain, humid conditions, and other situations where it may be splashed with water.

This cargo-capable e-scooter comes with a larger footboard, which you could secure groceries or even a pet carrier to while also sporting an integrated rear cargo rack that can be further used for packages or to carry a passenger thanks to the inclusion of a removable cushioned seat. Among its other stock features, you’ll find 16-inch all-terrain snow tires that maximize grip on whatever surface your riding along, as well as a 125mm rear suspension, dual 160mm disc brakes, a 70 lux headlight, a break-activated taillight, a twist throttle, a key ignition, conveniently integrated controls along the left handlebar, and a large 7-inch display for real-time information at a glance.

Hiboy has added a banner to its main site stating that it will be increasing prices in the future, so be sure to check out the full lineup of deals in its Easter Sale while costs are still kept this low.

Goal Zero’s Sherpa 100AC 25,600mAh 100W 5-port wireless AC power bank accompanies you anywhere at $200

By way of its official Amazon storefront, Goal Zero is offering a chance to score its Sherpa 100AC 25,600mAh 100W Wireless AC Power Bank at $199.89 shipped. This model, which is one of the few we’ve seen sporting an actual AC port, has been more recently keeping to $250 after falling from its original $300 MSRP back in 2024. While we did see it go as low as $177 during Black Friday and Christmas sales, it’s mostly stayed above $210 over the last year, with today’s deal providing a solid $50 markdown that lands it at the fourth-lowest price we have tracked – $23 above the low.

Coming in a durable anodized aluminum form factor with impact bumpers along its edges, the airline-approved Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC has been designed to accompany you anywhere while also being packed with a significant amount of port options for juicing up your essential devices. It totes a 25,600Wh capacity and among its many output options, you’ll find a 100W AC port that can surge up to 150W, a 100W USB-C port, a secondary 60W USB-C port, two USB-A ports, and it even provides 15W wireless charging to your smartphone. It can recharge its own battery at up to 60W speeds, taking two hours via a wall outlet while also providing up to 50W solar-charging capabilities that will refill the battery in three to six hours.

If you’re not really in need of the AC port option in the above model, you can save a bit more by going with Goal Zero’s counterpart Sherpa 100PD model for $159.89 shipped, down from $200. You’ll be getting much of the same performance capabilities for output charging and input recharging, with the difference here being fewer ports, specifically two USB-C ports and a 60W in/100W out USB-C port, as well as the 15W wireless charging.

Best New Year EV deals!

• Aventon Ramblas Electric Mountain Bike: $2,599 (Reg. $2,899)
• Lectric ONE Long-Range e-bike with $220 bundle: $2,399 (Reg. $2,507)
• Lectric XPedition 2.0 35Ah Cargo e-bike w/ up to $654 bundle: $1,999 (Reg. $2,741)
• Tenways AGO X All-Terrain e-bike with $307 bundle (new low): $1,899 (Reg. $2,499)
• Lectric XPedition 2.0 26Ah Cargo e-bike w/ $505 bundle: $1,699 (Reg. $2,204)
• Rad Power RadRunner 3 Plus Utility e-bike (new low): $1,699 (Reg. $2,199)
• Aventon Aventure 2 All-Terrain e-bike: $1,699 (Reg. $1,999)
• Tenways CGO800S Step-Thru Commuter e-bike with $315 in free gear: $1,699 (Reg. $1,999)
• Aventon Pace 500.3 Step-Over e-bike with free extra battery: $1,599 (Reg. $1,799)
• Aventon Pace 500.3 Step-Through e-bike with free extra battery: $1,599 (Reg. $1,799)
• Heybike ALPHA All-Terrain e-bike (new low): $1,499 (Reg. $1,699)
• Aventon Abound Cargo e-bike: $1,599 (Reg. $1,999)
• Lectric XPeak 2.0 Long-Range Off-Road e-bike with $316 bundle: $1,599 (Reg. $1,915)
• Aventon Level 2 Commuter e-bike: $1,499 (Reg. $1,899)
• Tenways CGO600 Pro belt-drive e-bike with $118 bundle: $1,499 (Reg. $1,899)
• Tenways CGO600 Pro chain-drive e-bike with $118 bundle: $1,499 (Reg. $1,899)
• Rad Power RadWagon 4 Cargo e-bike with free caboose: $1,499 (Reg. $1,799)
• Lectric XP Trike with $420 bundle: $1,499 (Reg. $1,918)
• Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru Fat Tire e-bike with extra battery: $1,399 (Reg. $1,599)
• Aventon Sinch 2 Folding e-bike: $1,399 (Reg. $1,699)
• Velotric 2024 Nomad 1 Plus All-Terrain e-bike with $134 bundle: $1,399 (Reg. $1,799)
• Lectric XPeak 2.0 Standard Off-Road e-bike with $227 bundle: $1,399 (Reg. $1,626)
• Lectric XPedition 2.0 13Ah Cargo e-bike with $296 bundle: $1,399 (Reg. $1,725)
• Rad Power RadExpand 5 Folding e-bike (new low): $1,299 (Reg. $1,599)
• Rad Power RadRunner Plus Utility e-bike (new low): $1,299 (Reg. $1,799)
• Velotric T1 ST Plus Lightweight e-bike with $120 bundle: $1,299 (Reg. $1,549)
• Velotric Discover 1 Plus Step-Thru Commuter e-bike with $120 bundle: $1,199 (Reg. $1,599)
• Lectric XP 3.0 Long-Range e-bikes with up to $455 bundle: $1,199 (Reg. $1,706)
• Lectric XP Lite 2.0 JW Black LR e-bike with $365 bundle: $1,099 (Reg. $1,464)
• Rad Power RadRunner 2 Utility e-bike (new low): $999 (Reg. $1,499)
• Aventon Soltera.2 Urban Commuter e-bike: $999 (Reg. $1,199)
• Lectric XP 3.0 Standard e-bikes: $999 (Reg. $1,507)
• Lectric XP Lite 2.0 Long-Range e-bikes with up to $316 bundles: $999 (Reg. $1,315)
• Hiboy U2 Pro Electric Scooter (new model): $900 (Reg. $1,500)
• Segway Ninebot F3 eKickScooter: $700 (Reg. $850)

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.