CFB's "Next Wave of Superstars" Includes Nico Iamaleava
The national media continues identifying Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava as a potential breakout star in next year's college football season. He accounted for four touchdowns against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, leading a suddenly potent Vols offense down the field for five touchdown drives.
Factor in that he was the No. 2 overall recruit in the 2023 class, according to the 247Sports' Composite Rankings, and it's understandable why analysts are drooling over what a full season could look like. 247Sports went through the exercise of predicting the new wave of superstars in college football, and Iamaleava found himself beside impressive company.
"Iamaleava is probably most known for his NIL at this point. But that will soon change as he's handed the keys to one of college football's most explosive offenses. The Cheez-It Bowl was a sneak preview of Iamaleava's firepower as he threw for 151 yards and a touchdown in a 35-0 win over Iowa, which had the No. 1 defense in the country last year. Iamaleava's arm borders on elastic with his ability to throw from multiple angles and slots, and he's a plus athlete, too. Expect him to shine in Josh Heupel's veer-and-shoot attack." - 247Sports' Chris Hummer on Nico Iamaleava
Tennessee returned several key playmakers for Iamaleava to use and went into the NCAA Transfer Portal to land a few other impact prospects for the offense.
Tennessee Volunteers QB Nico Iamaleava during his official visit to Tennessee. (Photo courtesy of Nico Iamaleava)
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