Nico Iamaleava Earns Redshirt, Could Start Final Two Games

Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava has officially earned a redshirt season, meaning he can start the season's final two games.

Quarterback play is always a conversation in Knoxville, Tennessee. Many had high expectations for redshirt senior Joe Milton III entering the year, and while Milton has had high moments, they aren't getting the desired outcome from their passing attack. There are many reasons why that aren't on Milton, but the most straightforward answer will always be a quarterback change.

Freshman Nico Iamaleava is the name on every Tennessee fan's mind. The touted California native was the No. 2 prospect in the 2023 class, according to 247Sports' Composite Rankings. He's one of the highest-rated prospects that Tennessee has signed in program history, and he's even shown flashes of high-upside play during his three appearances this season.

Milton entered the year as the starter, and it made sense for this to be a redshirt year for Iamaleava. Now, Tennessee is 11 games into the regular season, and he's only appeared in three contests, meaning he can use his fourth appearance vs. Vanderbilt and preserve his redshirt. Also, bowl games don't count toward a player's redshirt eligibility, so if the coaching staff opted to, Iamaleava could start the rest of the year and maintain that redshirt.

NOTE: This isn't a report of Tennessee's plans; rather, it is an alternative present if they choose to use it.

Tennessee Volunteers QB Nico Iamaleava during his official visit to Tennessee. (Photo courtesy of Nico Iamaleava)

Betting Lines as of 11/19 - Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee

• Caesar's Sportsbook: Tennessee -26
• Draft Kings: Tennessee -25

How To Watch: Vanderbilt @ Tennessee

• Gameday: Saturday, November 25th, 2023.
• Game time: 3:30 pm ET
• TV: SEC Network
• Stadium: Neyland Stadium (Knoxville, Tennessee)
• Live stream on fuboTV: Start with a 7-day free trial!

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