We’ll get a glimpse of the future on Monday.
The Nico Iamaleava era is upon us. The former five-star prospect will get his first career start on New Year’s Day against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Citrus Bowl. Tennessee’s starter for the 2023 season, Joe Milton, has decided to opt out of the game.
VolQuest had the news this morning.
The Nico Iamaleava era is here as QB Joe Milton will opt out of Citrus Bowl.
https://t.co/CgLqsRUDqb pic.twitter.com/mPW2K7CHUP
— Volquest Staff (@Volquest_On3) December 27, 2023
Milton’s 2023 season ends with 2,813 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Milton will now prep for the 2024 NFL Draft. He’ll take part in the Senior Bowl, hoping to show NFL scouts that he can operate in more of a pro style offense. For now though, Milton is helping Iamaleava prep for Iowa.
Just what Peter said….Joe is in meetings this morning leading and being very present to help Nico. https://t.co/9PAcmBDxCe
— Austin Price (@AustinPriceless) December 27, 2023
Iamaleava was the No. 1 overall player in the class of 2023, per On3. The 6-6 true freshman has seen action in four games to this point, preserving his redshirt status. The bowl game does not count against that.
Nico threw for 86 yards against UConn back in November, then 66 more against Vanderbilt in mop-up duty. Now for the very first time, he’ll go through game prep as the starting quarterback. His test won’t an easy one, however, facing the Iowa defense. The Hawkeyes always bring it on that side of the ball, and Kirk Ferentz has once again this season. Iowa ranks fifth in the nation in total defense, giving Iamaleava a real challenge to deal with.
Tennessee will also be without starting running back Jaylen Wright, and likely without Jabari Small as well. That’s going to leave Dylan Sampson and Cam Seldon in the backfield for the Volunteers, giving us a true glimpse at the future.
The Volunteers are still 6.5 point favorites after the Milton news broke, per DraftKings Sportsbook.