Ramon Foster addresses excitement for Tennessee fans with Nico Iamaleava

Rocky Top was always going to be buzzing when Nico Iamaleava took over at quarterback. But Joe Milton opting out of the bowl game against Iowa gave Tennessee fans an early look at the former On300 No. 1 overall player. Iamaleava started against Iowa, leading the Vols to a comfortable win and giving a glimpse of the future.

Ramon Foster believes Iamaleava starting the Citrus Bowl gave people outside the program even more confidence in the young quarterback. Everyone is aware of the potential he possesses, with plenty of hype surrounding Iamaleava throughout the recruiting process and as a true freshman at Tennessee. Being able to watch him perform on the field takes it to a whole new level, though.

“The quarterback matters,” Foster said during Monday’s episode of Andy Staples On3. “I think when you see a guy that has promise after hearing the hype — because recruiting is one thing but actually seeing it in the game is another thing. I’ve gone to school with numerous guys that were four, five-stars and they don’t turn into it. So, when you actually see it and the stories behind is backed up because of the tape… Hope takes you a very long way.”

Iamaleava only had 19 pass attempts but completed 12 of them for 151 yards and a touchdown. His legs are where the biggest surprise was, rushing for three touchdowns. This came against an impressive Iowa defense, widely considered one of the best units in the country.

The 35 points Tennessee wound up scoring was the most the Hawkeyes gave up all season.

Now, Iamaleava takes over with expectations to improve upon the 8-4 regular season from 2023. Milton ran the show for most of the year but was not able to produce as Hendon Hooker did under Josh Heupel. Consistency was a huge issue for Milton but even as a youngster, Iamaleava looks to be up for the task.

“That’s where seeing him operate that game is where it gave people insight,” Foster said. “The one thing about Joe was, you know Joe can make every throw. But can he make it consistent? It looked like Nico was capable of doing it in that bowl game.”

Iamaleava will make his first start at Neyland Stadium on Aug. 31 against Chatanooga. His first game against a Power Five opponent in Knoxville will be Oct. 12 against the Florida Gators, just the beginning stretch of some important home games for the Vols.