Nico Iamaleava admits he loves road games more than home games

Tennessee football’s Neyland Stadium boasts one of the most raucous, unique atmospheres in college sports. Despite this, the Vols will only play two games at home before Oct. 12.

While Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava is excited to back get out in front of the fans at Rocky Top, the multiple neutral site and true road games are no issue to him. In fact, he prefers the added pressure.

“I definitely love road games more than home games,” Iamaleava said ahead of the 2024 season. “I don’t want to upset, our Neyland fans — I love playing in Neyland Stadium. But with away games, I just feel like all the odds are against you. It gives you a little more, you could say focus. There are plenty of other other words that you can use, but going on the road is something I’ve always loved to do.”

During his first year with Tennessee, Iamaleava appeared in five games under center. The first four were home games against Virginia, UTSA, UConn and Vanderbilt.

Iamaleava went on to receive the first start of his career against Iowa in the Citrus Bowl after former starter Joe Milton elected to opt out of the game. Ultimately, the Vols defeated the Hawkeyes 35-0 having scored three rushing touchdowns on 15 attempts while going 12-of-19 passing to go with one touchdown pass and no interceptions.

He finished his true freshman season with 31 completions for 314 yards and two touchdowns, leading many to become optimistic about his future and the success that may come with it.

Fans were given a preview of Iamaleava’s passing skills during April’s spring game, completing his first seven of his passes for 93 yards and a touchdown during his time on the field. He capped the first half of action for his squad with a 27-yard strike to Chas Nimrod in the end zone. Iamaleava didn’t play much after the first half, and finished the gae 7 of 9 for 96 yards and the lone touchdown to Nimrod.

There’s a lot to be excited about offensively for Josh Heupel’s group heading into 2024, specifically with Iamaleava’s potential. Behind the former five-star recruit’s lead, Tennessee kick things off against in-state foe Chattanooga before travelling to Charlotte to play NC State inside Bank of America stadium in Wek 2.

Iamaleava won’t get his first true road game until Sept. 21 against new SEC opponent in Oklahoma.