Nico Iamaleava has received some high praise in his short time in Knoxville. Coming in as a five-star recruit, and rated the No. 1 recruit in his class by On3, there were high expectations for his future. After a season of sitting behind Joe Milton III and an impressive bowl game start, the time is now his. Is the hype warranted? Or is Iamaleava just another flash in the pan for Rocky Top?
The talented young quarterback has played a total of six quarters as a starter for the University of Tennessee. In those six quarters, his numbers have been video game-like. In his first career start, the 2023 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, Iamaleava single-handedly tore apart Iowa’s defense. In his second start, this past weekend against Chattanooga, he torched the Mocs for 314 yards and three touchdowns in only the first half. On another note, in his first six halves of football, the Vols have outscored opponents 80-3.
Nico Heismaleava: Is the Hype Warranted?
Not just Vols fans feel the hype for Nico Iamaleava. Several big names around the College Football world have shared their optimism for the young star. Most notable is 247/Sports’ Josh Pate.
“Nico Iamaleava is a bonafide Heisman contender right now. He’s gonna be in this thing all year, this is a superstar. You’re seeing it unfold right before your eyes. It’s likely that college football hasn’t fully caught on to it yet.”
I have seen a lot of hyped QB's make great debuts.
I haven't seen one better than Nico Iamaleava for @Vol_Football.
I just finished the tape and goodness gracious was it good!!
I know it's Chattanooga but the kid is going to be a flat out superstar.pic.twitter.com/HJV4F3Ls6H
— David Pollack (@davidpollack47) September 1, 2024
These are very high praises from a respected member of the College Football community. Other big names to share praise of Iamaleava include Nick Saban, Urban Meyer, and David Pollack. Praise from Saban and Pollack is surprising, to say the least, as both represent Tennessee’s rivals. Arguably the most notable praise came from former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer.
“They have a quarterback that I called Matt Leinart and Brady Quinn this morning after having watched this thing… I’m telling you this right now Mark… it’s Tennessee Chattanooga so they were overmatched… but this guy as far as body type, to stand there athletically and throw the ball, the ball came out like a missile. He was a 5-star product coming out of high school. I ask this question, is he a top 10 pick in the NFL Draft?”
Thankfully for Vols fans, Nico Iamaleava doesn’t have to worry about the draft for at least another season. But nonetheless, the hype from all of these well-respected people speaks volumes about the young quarterback’s potential. If the legendary former head coach of Tennessee’s arch-rival believes the quarterback will be the “best in the SEC”, then the hype has got to be warranted.
As for the Heisman, that is a different story. It takes more than just media praise to be selected for the award, but if Iamaleava’s play continues the way it has been, he could be primed for awards. He opened the season at +1500 odds, good enough for the top 10. After the Chattanooga game, Nico went up to +1400 odds and now has the seventh-highest odds to win the award.
Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava vs Chattanooga:
🟠 22/28
🟠 314 YDS
🟠 3 TDs
🟠 0 INTs@Vol_Football pic.twitter.com/KrejOoJs4w— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 31, 2024
If Nico comes out firing against N.C. State, a top 25 team, and puts up good stats, his odds will only increase. The sky’s the limit for this young star, and not just the folks in Knoxville believe it.
Nico Iamaleava and the Vols are back in action on Saturday, September 7. The team takes on the N.C. State Wolfpack in the annual Duke’s Mayo Classic in Charlotte, NC.
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