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Tennessee football will be just fine without Nico Iamaleava thanks to 2 transfers

The two playmakers will step up on offense for the Vols.
ByBraulio Perez|
Nov 30, 2024; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils running back Star Thomas (17) is tackled by Wake Forest Demon Deacons linebacker Eldrick Robinson II (8)during the second half at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Nov 30, 2024; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils running back Star Thomas (17) is tackled by Wake Forest Demon Deacons linebacker Eldrick Robinson II (8)during the second half at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

With SEC Media Days here, the excitement for the regular season to arrive has most definitely reached a new level for Tennessee football fans out there. Josh Heupel has everyone pretty fired up, even if we don't know who the starting quarterback vs. Syracuse will be.

While speaking to reporters, Heupel was understandably asked about quarterback Nico Iamaleava and his departure from the team. Straight up, Heupel said that he's fully focused on guys inside of the building instead of those who aren't.

It was quite the statement and while losing Nico is going to hurt, this offense is going to be just fine. From our chair, it's because two transfers in particular will be able to make a huge impact for Heupel and Tennessee as a whole.

Joey Aguilar and Star Thomas will be major additions for Tennessee football

Yup, those two transfers are QB Joey Aguilar and running back Star Thomas. Starting with Aguilar, he was brought in on a big NIL deal to push for the starting job. While some of us thought he'd be named the QB1 at SEC Media Days, Heupel had other ideas.

Instead, the HC said that there will be an open competition. While Jake Merklinger and George MacIntyre are going to push for the job, we think Aguilar will win it in the end and then he's going to go on to post huge numbers in Year 1 working with Heupel.

Aguilar is known as a bit of a gunslinger and Heupel is one of the best offensive minds not only in the SEC, but in the entire country. Last campaign, Aguilar tossed for more than 3,000 yards with App State and more strong performances will on the way for him in Knoxville.

Next up, we've got Thomas - the Duke transfer who is going to provide the young running backs room with plenty of experience. Thomas was pretty strong for Duke last campaign, rushing for 871 yards and seven touchdowns.

He's now in Knoxville getting ready for his first season in the SEC. Thomas is expected to get a TON of carries this fall and establishing the run game is going to help take some pressure off of Aguilar, assuming he's the starter in 2025. Thomas is a gamer and the 6-0, 210-pounder should make a splash with the Vols moving forward.