The Vols entered the 2024 season with a lackluster expectation on their shoulders. They were widely projected to finish behind the likes of Alabama, Ole Miss, LSU, Missouri, etc. But in reality, they over-delivered, finishing third in the conference and managing to get a spot in the first round of the college football playoffs. I mean, yes, they received a gusty 42-17 loss to Ohio State to cap off their year, but that doesn’t mean they were hopeless heading into a brand-new season.

Josh Heupel might not be under pressure with an easy schedule, but no good news comes from the national analyst for Nico Iamaleava, who looks to develop into a finished QB up next.

Nico Iamaleava received a stern alert heading into a bigger season 

Nico Iamaleava did not perform at his peak during the previous season. A lot of blunders, and in totality, the season was Nico at his best, and in some instances, at his raw, yet-to-learn-a-lot self. However, much of the blame can also be put on his O-line’s inability to protect their QB. The number of sacks stat (30 for the Vols offense) is a weird one. The majority agree that the O-line could have done a better job. Then comes further help. Did Nico have any? Well, consider this: The Vols did not have a single All-SEC first, second, or third-team receiver or tight end to rely on. The 10 games that Josh Heupel’s team won had a lot to with the defense, and in some crucial moments, Nico delivered.

The Vols will get the privilege of an easier schedule in 2025, but Iamaleava will get no room for error. Explaining the escapade more thoroughly, SEC insider Mike said, ”I am trying not to be too disrespectful toward Tennessee, but this seems like a play on ease of schedule more than anything. Yeah, that’s where I kind of landed with this one; I think that schedule’s pretty favorable for Tennessee.” If Heupel doesn’t find a way to fix his records, it’s safe to say he never will. Tennessee opens the season with Syracuse and closes out the year at Florida. They’ve got Mississippi State, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Oklahoma, all poised to be near the bottom of the conference.

”There’s a good chunk of talent that’s gone for last year’s team, and it’s not only that the talent that’s gone, it’s you know how this team is going to be built, but Nico is also going to shoulder more with Dylan Sampson off to the NFL,” the SEC football podcast host Mike said in an eye-popping analysis.’

Well, there can be no debate that Iamaleava will have to clean up his own issues, especially regarding accuracy, and also needs to work on consistency, but what he got is special. He knows how to stay calm and composed during the heavy pressure or pending hype around him.

Nico Iamleava is focused on improving his craft 

Nico, the projected crown jewel for the Vols, has been a humble kid throughout his career. His humility and work ethic set a benchmark among the newcomers in the division. Multiple sources have mentioned enough how his humble nature and the ability and willingness to adapt make him one of the brightest prospects in the team. He relentlessly works toward developing and fine-tuning his craft over any hype.

He has already etched his name in the Tennessee football chronology. He is one of the rarest quarterbacks in history, alongside Sam Leavitt, leading his team to the first 12-team playoff. He signs an NIL deal with Spyre Sports totaling $8 million, becoming a huge face in the NIL market. But that, too, couldn’t get in his way to chase excellence. The only goal he has in front of himself is to keep winning games no matter what.

”This is why I came to Tennessee, not to break records or anything else like that or to be known by all the fans out there,” Iamaleava said. “It’s about this team, my brothers. We want to win that last game of the season. I think I’ve gotten better each game. I still feel like I haven’t played my best game yet, really our whole team, but we’re looking to put that together.”

The urge to become a true team player and the visible selflessness to contribute toward collective success is way more special than it sounds. Nico got that. He got the talent as a brownie point. Now, it’s only up to the Vols O-line to let him be what he’s destined for.