With a new starting quarterback under center, Tennessee football is getting ready for a new season. Joe Milton III has been replaced by sophomore Nico Iamaleava, a highly skilled prospect from the class of 2023. Iamaleava was a backup last season, but with Milton heading to the NFL, he will now be starting. Josh Pate, the host of The Late Kick podcast, is among the many who are eager to watch the new Vols leader in action.
According to CBS Sports College Football, Pate stated, “I think Nico Iamaleava is gonna be a star in this sport, and I don’t think you’ll have to wait a couple of years.” This year, I believe he will be that. That guy is going to be well-known in college football.”
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“In my opinion, Nico Iamaleava will become a huge star in this sport. That guy will become well-known throughout CFB.” 🗣️
@Iamaleava, a 6-foot-6, 210-pound signal caller, exudes physical characteristics that beg to be described as stellar. One of the greatest advantages of being a tall quarterback is that you can see over the heads of both defenders and teammates.
Iamaleava is a two-way threat who can run and pass the ball in addition to his height. Iamaleava only played in five games as a rookie, but he still managed to throw for 314 yards and two touchdowns. The 19-year-old added three touchdowns in 20 carries when it came to rushing. Imagine what he could accomplish if he played the entire season.
In January, Iamaleava gave a genuine sneak peek at his abilities during Tennessee’s season-ending Citrus Bowl matchup with Iowa. The quarterback completed with 151 passing yards, three touchdown passes on the ground, and a fourth-quarter touchdown pass to cap off the blowout. The Vols thrashed the Hawkeyes 35-0, and Iamaleava’s performance served as a foreshadowing of what the SEC will face in 2024.
It appears that Tennessee football will have a successful season.
In terms of football, Tennessee is coming off a third-place SEC East finish with a 9-4 overall record (4-4 in conference play). Fans are hoping that head coach Josh Heupel will finally take the Vols to a CFP appearance as he begins his fourth season in office. Although Heupel has led Tennessee to victories the last three seasons, since the CFP format was introduced ten years ago, Tennessee has never been picked as one of the top four teams.
However, previous seasons have indicated that an end to the drought may not be far off. In 2022, the Vols finished with an Orange Bowl victory over Clemson and had their best record in years, going 11-2.
With their current roster, Tennessee could very well improve as a team in the upcoming season. The Vols will still start a few well-known players, including wide receiver Squirrel White, running back Dylan Sampson, and defensive lineman James Pearce Jr., in addition to their prized quarterback. In addition, the team signed Jermod McCoy, a cornerback, and tight end Holden Staes through the transfer portal.
Overall, Tennessee could be considered a dark horse in the SEC this season.
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