Alright, Vols fans, let’s set the scene. The year was 2024, and Tennessee finally cracked the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history. Big moment, right? Josh Heupel had the squad rolling with a historic 10-3 season, only to run into mighty Ohio State. The Vols got smacked 42-17 in Columbus, but let’s be real—that same Buckeyes team hoisted the trophy. So, Tennessee gets a pass. But here’s where things get spicy: the hype surrounding redshirt freshman QB Nico Iamaleava. That’s taking a wild turn, and not everyone’s sold on him making the leap in 2025. SEC insiders just weighed in, and let’s just say, not all of it is sunshine and Rocky Top chants.

February 6th rolls around, and suddenly, Nico Iamaleava’s catching strays left and right. His 2024 season was a rollercoaster—Yes, the same ‘flashes of brilliance’ mixed with some head-scratching throws. The numbers? Low-key solid for a freshman on the paper: 2,616 passing yards, 19 touchdowns. But here’s the thing—eight of those TDs came in just two games against Vanderbilt and UTEP, two teams with defenses softer than a Waffle House biscuit. That stat padding isn’t sitting right with everyone.

247Sports’ National Recruiting Analyst Cooper Petagna put it bluntly: “It comes down to—can your quarterback make this sizeable step to where you’re looking at that game against Ohio State and do you trust Nico Iamaleava to win a playoff game? At this point, I don’t know the answer to that question. Right now, if I had to bet on it, it’s a NO.” Ain’t gonna lie. That’s a cold dose of reality.

Let’s visit his only playoff game against the Buckeyes. Nico Iamaleava absolutely cooked nothing against the Buckeyes. The lanky QB went 14/31 and threw barely over 100 yards. Yes, you would think ‘But, Nico Iamaleava had 2 rushing tuddies.’ Nico Iamaleava had 20 rushing attempts and rushed for 44 yards, clearly a sign of stat pad, if you think. There were moments where Nico’s deep ball looked suspect, missing wide-open guys in plays that should’ve been six. That kind of inconsistency ain’t gonna fly when you’re trying to run with the big dogs in the SEC.

But hold up—before anyone writes off Tennessee, let’s talk about why the Vols aren’t just a flash in the pan. The NIL game in Knoxville? Absolutely different. Spyre Sports and the Volunteer Club got their hands deep in the bag, and the numbers prove it. According to 247Sports, Tennessee’s NIL budget for 2025 is sitting around at a jaw-dropping $13 million. That’s not just “keeping up with the Joneses” money—that’s flipping the script.

SEC insider “SEC Mike” chimed in on That SEC Football Podcast, saying, “Tennessee is fully on board with NIL and doing everything they can to close the gap between them and the elite. It seems like they are pushing in that direction more and more, not just in football but in all sports.” Translation? Tennessee ain’t waiting around for recruits to come to them—they’re going full-speed, all-gas-no-brakes in the NIL game. And let’s not forget, they cut an $8 million check to bring Nico to Knoxville in 2022. So yeah, this ain’t just about Xs and Os. Money talks, and Tennessee’s making sure their program stays in the national conversation.

Beyond NIL, another major factor in Tennessee’s sustained success? Coaching stability. Unlike other top programs juggling staff changes like a game of musical chairs, Tennessee’s keeping its core intact. Offensive coordinator and QB coach Joey Halzle is back, meaning Nico Iamaleava doesn’t have to relearn a whole new system. Defensive coordinator Tim Banks? Still here, building a unit that can hang in the SEC. O-line coach Glen Elarbee? Staying put, ensuring protection for their high-priced QB. That kind of continuity is rare in college football, and it’s a major W for Heupel’s program.

Cousin Shane backed this up, saying, “They’re paying the money, they’re doing the right things, they’re keeping continuity on the coaching staff… and yeah, I think Tennessee, BS, you talk about being consistent, brother—you got the look here: 11 (wins), 9 (wins), 10 (wins)—this is the culture that Josh Heupel has created there in Knoxville.”

Josh Heupel and Nico Iamaleava 2025 season: another playoff run?

Alright, let’s talk 2025 schedule because Tennessee’s got a real shot at running it back. Season opener? Syracuse in Atlanta. Not exactly a cakewalk, but very winnable. The first SEC test? Georgia at home on Sept. 13. That’s the one to circle—beat the Dawgs, and suddenly the Vols are in business. Then, there’s the usual SEC gauntlet: Alabama on the road (Oct. 18), Florida in The Swamp (Nov. 22), and a home battle with Oklahoma (Nov. 1). The good news? The Vols get Kentucky, Vanderbilt, and Arkansas at home. Plus, two bye weeks to rest up before the stretch run.

Let’s be real—Tennessee has all the tools to contend. The schedule’s got some landmines, but if Nico takes that next step, the Vols could find themselves literally knocking on the CFP door again and making a good run. Tennessee has money, coaching stability, and a winnable schedule—but end of the day, it all comes down to Nico Iamaleava. Can he tighten up his accuracy? Can he be the guy in clutch moments? If the answer’s yes, Tennessee could be staring down another playoff run. If not? Well, Heupel and Co. are gonna be right back in the transfer portal shopping for their next 5-star nonchalant QB.

Either way, one thing’s for sure—Knoxville’s not just happy to be here anymore. The Josh Heupel and the Vols are in the big leagues now, and expectations have never been higher. Buckle up, because 2025 is gonna be a wild ride.