March 21, 2022 –
Tennessee shocked the college football world on Mar. 21, 2022.
The Vols landed a commitment from 2023 quarterback Nico Iamaleava, a tall, slender prospect from Long Beach, California. Iamaleava was ranked as the No. 3 overall prospect in the class and gave Tennessee their third highest-ranked commitment since rankings began in 2000.
Nico Iamaleava was an elite quarterback prospect, but it would be a long time before the Vols saw him on the field.
September 2, 2023 –
530 days after his commitment to Tennessee, the Vols’ star quarterback prospect finally took the field.
Iamaleava relieved starting quarterback Joe Milton III in Tennessee’s 2023 season opener against Virginia and completed 2-of-3 passes for 11 yards. While it wasn’t a lot of time on the field by any stretch, Iamaleava’s short appearance against the Cavaliers gave Tennessee their first look at the future.
Iamaleava would go on to play in four more games during his freshman season, including a start against No. 17 Iowa in the Citrus Bowl after Milton opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft. Iamaleava was solid in that game but one thing was clear – Iamaleava was in sole possession of the keys to Tennessee’s offense and the road was freshly paved ahead.
Iamaleava finished his freshman season 28-of-45 for 314 yards and two passing touchdowns (keep those numbers in mind).
August 31, 2024
894 days after his commitment to Tennessee, the former five-star recruit finally made his first regular-season start for the Volunteers.
And it was well worth the wait.
While Tennessee did play FCS opponent Chattanooga on Saturday, the age-old saying says that you can only play who’s in front of you. Well, Iamaleava decimated what was in front of him.
Iamaleava threw for 314 yards (told you) and three touchdowns on 22-of-28 passing in just two quarters of action on the field. The Vols’ rising star only needed one half to put Tennessee up 45-0 during the break and set a program record while he was at it.
Iamaleava’s 314 passing yards in the first half are the most passing yards in a single half in Tennessee program history, barely edging out Tyler Bray’s 313 yards in a half against Troy in 2012.
It only took 7:42 for @Vol_Football to put up 21 points in the first quarter 😳 pic.twitter.com/2egAd5FqDV
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) August 31, 2024
It wasn’t that he picked apart a lesser defense, but it was the way he did it. Iamaleava was crisp to the numbers, decisive in his actions, and mobile in the pocket.
But take it from a guy who’s played at both Tennessee and in the NFL, instead:
“A few telltale signs of a really good QB are they can attack the seams vs post safety and the middle of the field & down the boundary vs Cover 2,” former Tennessee WR Donte Stallworth posted to X during the game. “Nico has done all of that already in the 1st quarter. I’m giddy over here.”
a few telltale signs of a really good QB are they can attack the seams vs post safety and the middle of the field & down the boundary vs cov 2. Nico has done all of that already in the 1st quarter. I’m giddy over here ☺️😆
— Donté Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) August 31, 2024
It doesn’t hurt that he has some great weapons, too.
Where Joe Milton lost both Bru McCoy and Dont’e Thornton to injury last year, both receivers looked stronger than before on Saturday against the Mocs. Tennessee also added Tulane transfer Chris Brazzell over the offseason, who looks like a walking-6-foot-5-X-Factor while lined up on the field.
Those three players combined for 253 yards and two touchdowns (both Thornton) on Saturday against Chattanooga.
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel will be the first to tell you that the Vols’ offense is built on the run game, though. That’s a good thing for Iamaleava in his first starting season with the Vols.
Tennessee’s running back room is led by Dylan Sampson, who cruised to a cool 124 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries during Saturday’s contest. The Vols also boast a pair of young, talented backs in DeSean Bishop and Cam Seldon who both bring different skills to the table, too.
All of that is to say that the table is set for Nico Iamaleava.
It’s been a long wait for Tennessee fans. 894 days since his commitment, to be exact.
But what Iamaleava showed on Saturday was the ability to thrive in the Tennessee offense with the skillset that made him such a highly-recruited prospect on the trail.
A lot has happened since Tennessee won the battle for Iamaleava’s recruitment, but the story has only just begun with what his Tennessee career could have in store.
