Nico Iamaleava Will Start Citrus Bowl

Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava will start the Citrus Bowl against the Iowa Hawkeyes.

As first reported by VolQuest, Tennessee starting quarterback Joe Milton III has opted out of the Citrus Bowl, leaving blue-chip freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava as their starter. Iamaleava was the No. 2 prospect in the 2023 cycle, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings. Iamaleava has seen action in four contests this season but will get an extended run against one of the best defenses in college football.

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

The offseason is almost underway for Tennessee football. The Vols have concluded the regular season and are now focusing on roster construction for the 2023 season. Volunteer Country has fans covered with all the latest portal entries and NFL Draft declarations. The portal window is from December 4 until January 2. If players don't transfer within that window, they must wait until May following spring practice to enter the transfer portal.

Tennessee's Offseason Player Movement

Former Vols In The Transfer Portal

• Warren Burrell, DB (Georgia Tech)
• Mo Clipper, OL (Charlotte)
• Brandon Turnage, DB
• Jack Luttrell, DB (Arizona)
• Addison Nichols, OL (Arkansas)
• Tyler Baron, DL (Ole Miss)
• Doneiko Slaughter, DB (Arkansas)
• De’Shawn Rucker, DB
• Tamarion Mcdonald, DB (Ole Miss)
• Wesley Walker

Transfer Additions

• Holden Staes, Notre Dame TE
• Jakobe Thomas, Middle Tennessee State S
• Jerod McCoy, Oregon State CB
• Chris Brazzell, Tulane WR

Tennessee's 2024 Recruiting Class

• Jake Merklinger, QB
• Peyton Lewis, RB
• Mike Matthews, WR
• Braylon Staley, WR
• Braylon Harmon, WR
• Cole Harrison, TE
• Bennett Warren, OT
• Jesse Perry, OT
• Gage Ginther, OT
• William Satterwhite, OG
• Max Anderson, OG
• Kellen Lindstrom, DE
• Carson Gentle, DE
• Jeremias Heard, DL
• Jordan Ross, EDGE
• Edwin Spillman, ILB
• Jordan Burns, ILB
• Marcus Goree, DB
• Kaleb Beasley, CB
• Boo Carter, S
• Edrees Farooq, S

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