Is Nico Iamaleava happy with how things have unfolded this season? Probably not! And there are reasons for this. Under his lead, Tennessee defeated some dominant opponents along the way to finish 10-3 to make their first playoff appearance. Still, this wasn’t enough to list him ahead of Arch Manning, who played behind Quinn Ewers this past season. 

Mike Bratton and his Cousin Shane delved into an early 2025 SEC Heisman Trophy odds discussion on That SEC Football Podcast on January 22. Names like Arch Manning, Garrett Nussmeier, LaNorris Sellers, and DJ Lagway were buzzing around, with Heisman odds popping up for each of them. Nico Iamaleava was in that mix too. But the Vols QB might have to take the back seat in favor of Arch Manning. Mike said of the 2024 season backup QB, “I think he could do it because there’s going to be incredible hype paired with Sarkisian. Even if he’s not like spectacular, he’s going to get some love.”

The Manning title carries a legacy that is passed down from Archie Manning to Peyton and Eli Manning. So, people believe there’s something in the blood of this 19-year-old that screams success. Arch Manning appeared in 10 games this past season and started in two for 939 yards and nine touchdowns. He also earned 108 rushing yards and four rushing scores. But the highlight of his season was his performance against UTSA when he replaced an injured Ewers. 

Arch Manning threw for an astounding 223 yards and four touchdowns and an additional 67-yard rushing TD, breaking three records in one game. His 75+ yard TD pass, a 65-yard rushing TD, and a 50+ yard touchdown pass are records in both the FBS and NFL in 25 years. Meanwhile, Shane called Nico Iamaleava a “risky bet.” But he also has some upsides that could propel his hype in 2025. 

Can Nico Iamaleava be an impactful SEC QB in 2025?

One thing that makes Nico Iamaleava a potential Heisman candidate is how he fared despite a tough schedule. As Shane pointed out, “Look at that schedule thing. I mean that makes it a little bit more interesting.” Tennessee had the 8th toughest schedule in 2024 per ESPN’s Football Power Index. But the Vols delivered upset losses to CFB powerhouses like Ohio State and Alabama in the regular season, which gives the 20-year-old redshirt freshman some credibility heading into the next season. 

But there is tons to improve before he can live that hype. As Shane added, “Unless something just magically happens with that receiving core or Nico’s arm or coaching, I’m a little leery on that bet because this has turned more into a running offense than quarterback offense.” Nico Iamaleava recorded 2,616 passing yards and 19 touchdowns. But the Vols’ offensive success was also spearheaded by RB Dylan Sampson, who raked up 1,491 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. He was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year. 

Based on the performances of various returning SEC quarterbacks this season, who do you think has the best odds to win the Heisman Trophy?