After his first season as the starting quarterback, Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava has plenty to improve on for his
sophomore campaign in 2025. Iamaleava, a former five-star out of Downey, California, signed with the Volunteers in 2023 as the third-highest rated recruit in program history. He sat behind Joe Milton that season before getting his opportunity as a redshirt freshman.
Iamaleava got off to a hot start before struggling during the heart of the SEC schedule. The 6-foot-6. 220-pound passer did not pass for more than 200 yards in five of the first six conference games. Despite some inconsistencies within the passing game, Iamaleava showed a lot of grit, especially as a ball carrier. He ultimately led Tennessee to its first College Football Playoff appearance in program history before a crushing 42-17 loss to Ohio State.
Iamaleava finished the 10-3 season completing 63.8% of his passes for 2,616 yards with 19 touchdowns to five interceptions. He also added 358 yards with three touchdowns and nine fumbles. There is clearly room for improvement in 2025, something that anonymous coaches expect to take place for Iamaleava, according to those polled by ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg.
“He’s still young, trying to figure it out,” an SEC coach said via ESPN. “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.” Iamaleava will probably be relied more upon next season after Tennessee focused on the run game in 2024. The Vols fielded the SEC’s top rushing offense, a unit that lost star tailback Dylan Sampson to the NFL Draft.
Iamaleava’s dual-threat ability could be a major key to keeping the success rolling on the ground. “I don’t know if people realize how big he is,” an SEC defensive coordinator said. “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
Iamaleava and the Vols will open the 2025 season against Syracuse in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Aug. 30.
