Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava led the Volunteers to the College Football Playoffs for the first time in program history as a redshirt freshman last season. Now, heading into his third year in Knoxville and his second as the starter, eyes will be on the development of the Tennessee quarterback this offseason as the Vols look to make that next step in their playoff push.
Iamaleava went through some of the struggles that may be expected with a first-year quarterback but closed the season strong, leading the Vols to wins in six of their final seven regular-season games to secure a berth in the playoffs. The 6-foot-6 quarterback threw for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns, and five interceptions during his first full season on Rocky Top.
Now a returning starter with playoff experience, expectations are going to rise for Iamaleava and the Vols’ offense. ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg recently spoke to a pair of SEC coaches, including one defensive coordinator, about Iamaleava’s progress and the challenge he presents to defenses.
“I don’t know if people realize how big [Iamaleava] is,” one anonymous SEC defensive coordinator told Rittenberg. “He has a really strong arm and he runs way better than what people think he can. He’s just so big, so you can’t tell how fast he is.”
One coach believes that Iamaleava’s past experience will help him take the necessary steps forward this fall.
“He’s still young, trying to figure it out,” an SEC coach told Rittenberg about Iamaleava. “He’s got the tools. He can make things happen with his feet and has got a big, live arm. I’m sure he’s going to take a big step here.”
More from RTI: Report – Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee Football In Contract Negotiations Ahead Of Spring Game
Rittenberg has Iamaleava ranked as the eighth best quarterback in college football this spring, which lands him as the fourth best in the SEC behind LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier (3), Oklahoma’s John Mateer (4), and South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers (5). Former Georgia turned Miami quarterback Carson Beck lands one spot ahead of Iamaleava at No. 7, but the Tennessee signal caller does notably come in ahead of Georgia Tech’s Haynes King (9), Florida’s DJ Lagway (10), and Texas’s Arch Manning (12).
Iamaleava has drawn praise from his coaches and teammates during training camp this spring. The word around camp is that Iamaleava is leaning more into his leadership role this off-season as the commanding voice of the offense.
There is a recent report going around this week regarding Iamaleava, though. On3 Sports’ Pete Nakos reported on Thursday afternoon that Iamaleava and Tennessee are in contract negotiations ahead of the Orange & White game on Saturday in Neyland Stadium. The report states that the relationship between Tennessee and Iamaleava remains strong and that the quarterback is looking to reach the increased market value since his original contract was signed. Though it would be hard to imagine Iamaleava entering the transfer portal before the 2025 season, it does open up later this month. Stay tuned to RTI for coverage of the transfer portal once it does up for the spring cycle.
Check out Adam Rittenberg’s full top CFB quarterbacks rankings for ESPN here.
