Tennessee football's redshirt freshman quarterback guided the Vols to a 69-3 season-opening win over UT Chattanooga, and he's already getting recognition from one of the greatest coaches in college football history.
Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban joined College Gameday for the 2024 season. Before the Vols kicked off against Chatt, he had some strong words for Tennessee's young quarterback, Nico Iamaleava.
Nick Saban just now on College GameDay:
— Jesse Simonton (@JesseReSimonton) August 31, 2024
"I think Nico (Iamaleava) is going to be one of the best quarterbacks in (the SEC)."
Saban likely meant this for the future, but Nico looked like he is ready to be one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC right now.
In his first start in Neyland Stadium, Nico set Tennessee football's program record for most passing yards in a half. He finished the first half with 314 passing yards and three touchdowns to help the Vols jump out to a 45-0 first-half lead.
Nico came into Knoxville as one of the best quarterbacks in his class and immediately bought into Josh Heupel's system and program. He's gained 20 pounds of muscle in the weight room and looks to have full control of the Vols offense after one game.
Heupel also seems to trust the first-year quarterback. He opened the playbook for the 19-year-old athlete, which he didn't do last season.
Vols players also have high expectations for Nico. After the win, Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson said, "We really expected this from him ... just that calm, cool, and collected poise he has about him, I think that's going to be good for him. We're going to keep it rolling, and we've got weapons around him to help him grow even better, so y'all are going to see a lot more of that."
This isn't much of a surprise for many Vols fans after a full offseason of hype around Nico's debut season as Tennessee's QB1. From Heisman hype to College Football Playoff potential, the opportunities are endless for the Vols, with Nico under center over the next few seasons.
Nico will be back in action next week against his first-ranked opponent of the 2024 season. The Vols will travel to Charlotte, North Carolina, to face the North Carolina State Wolfpack, who are expected to be contenders to win the ACC this season.