The hype train is rollin’.
Tennessee took a clear step back with Joe Milton running the show in 2023, but can they return to more of that 2022 look this season? That all rests on the shoulders of quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who assumes the starting gig after sitting for the majority of his freshman season.
The former five-star, No. 1 overall player took his redshirt season behind Milton, but got a chance to show what he had in the Citrus Bowl win over Iowa. The early returns were special, beating up on an Iowa defense that was regarded as one of the best units in the country.
Fans and analysts around the country took notice, and the hype train has been rolling ever since. Over at ESPN, Iamaleava was named the top breakout candidate of the 2024 college football season. Here’s what they had to say.
1. Nico Iamaleava, QB, Tennessee: There’s no surprise here. One of the most highly touted and anticipated players in last year’s high school class is set to get his shot at being Tennessee’s starting quarterback this season after a four-touchdown, MVP-winning performance in the Citrus Bowl last season. Iamaleava may be young, slight and inexperienced, but the hype surrounding him has been present for a reason. — Paolo Uggetti (ESPN)
Iamaleava will be surrounded by talent and a proven offensive system. Josh Heupel has proven he can produce offense in a few different ways, whether it be a heavy rushing look, downfield attack, or even a short pop-screen approach.
Utilizing receivers like Bru McCoy, Squirrel White, Dont’e Thornton, Chris Brazzell, Mike Matthews — a running back like Dylan Sampson — complete with an offensive line that returns veterans like Cooper Mays, Javontez Spraggins and John Campbell, Nico won’t be short on options.
All of that said, Iamaleava still has plenty to prove as a passer at this level. He’s short on experience, but he also has had bowl prep, spring ball and has the rest of the offseason ahead of him to master it all. What does that look like in the fall? If it’s anything like the win over Iowa, Tennessee is going to be just fine.