Nico Iamaleava injury update: Latest on Tennessee quarterback

Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava is expected to play Saturday against Georgia barring a setback, multiple sources tell On3. The redshirt freshman was listed as questionable on Thursday night’s SEC injury report. ESPN first reported the news.

Iamaleava suffered a concussion late in the first half against Mississippi State and sat out the second half for precautionary reasons last Saturday. He’s dressed and practiced every day this week, sources have told On3.

On3’s No. 1 recruit in the 2023 cycle has thrown for 1,879 yards with 11 touchdowns and four interceptions while leading Tennessee to an 8-1 record. The Volunteers enter Saturday’s game at Georgia tied for first in the SEC and positioned to make the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff.

“He was with us today,” Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said of Iamaleava on Monday afternoon. “He had a really good day. Feel like he’ll be in great shape for Saturday.”

Iamaleava has completed 65.2% of his passes, not to mention his 64 carries and 215 rushing yards. If he could not of played, redshirt senior Gaston Moore would have received the start. He finished out last week’s 33-14 win over Mississippi State.

The Bulldogs, who fell to No. 12 in the College Football Playoff rankings after a 28-10 defeat at Ole Miss, can’t afford another loss if they want a shot at the College Football Playoff. Currently, Georgia would miss the playoff as the first team out.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said earlier this week that the Bulldogs were “trying to prepare for kind of two guys, because philosophically, I don’t know how they’ll approach it with the other quarterback.”

Tennessee at Georgia kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday night on ABC. The Bulldogs are currently a 9.5-point favorite at home, according to FanDuel. The over-under is set at 46.5.