Josh Heupel on Nico Iamaleava's first career start: 'Nothing's too big for him'

Monday not only marked the beginning of a new year, but it was also the start of a new era at Tennessee as star freshman Nico Iamaleava made his first career start. The hype had been building since Joe Milton opted out of the Citrus Bowl against Iowa — and the former five-star recruit lived up to the billing.

Iamaleava went up against one of the nation’s top defenses and didn’t flinch. He completed 12 of 19 passes for 151 yards in the air, but also did plenty of damage with his legs as he totaled three rushing touchdowns in the 35-0 victory as he earned MVP honors.

To Josh Heupel, it proved his star quarterback was ready. Not that there was much doubt, of course.

“I just think, as a young player, the moment, nothing’s too big for him,” Heupel told Kayla Burton after the game. “He’s very in control, and does a great job relating to all the guys at every position on every unit — offense, defense. He’s a dynamic leader already as a young guy. Really pleased with his poise and his playmaking ability today.”

Tennessee put together a complete performance in the victory, beyond Iamaleava’s impressive showing. Dylan Sampson anchored the running game with a game-high 133 yards on 20 attempts, and that helped open up the Volunteers’ offense against an Iowa defense that averaged just 274.8 yards allowed per game entering the Citrus Bowl. All told, Tennessee totaled 383 yards of offense.

But the story remained Iamaleava, who cemented himself as Tennessee’s quarterback of the future. Heupel said he handled everything well and his ability to lead the offense stood out.

“Thought he did a great job,” Heupel said. “Just controlling everything. First time starting, just the huddle, the mechanics, operations, controlling our run game protections. All of it, did a fantastic job. Made a bunch of plays throughout the course of it with his arm and his feet. Special player.”

It’s sure looking like a bright future on Rocky Top with Nico Iamaleava getting the keys to Heupel’s high-powered offense. He’ll enter 2024 as the likely starting quarterback after backing up Milton this year, arriving on campus as a five-star recruit and the No. 6 overall recruit from the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. On3 ranked Iamaleava as the No. 1 overall recruit in the On300 rankings.