Nico Iamaleava shares how Joe Milton helped prepare him for first start

Joe Milton, who brought six years of experience to the position, was the starting quarterback for Tennessee this season. However, after he decided to opt-out, freshman backup Nico Iamaleava stepped up to the starting role for the Citrus Bowl.

That Citrus Bowl was one that the Volunteers won 35-0 over Iowa. After the game, Iamaleava shared how Milton helped him to prepare for that opportunity.

“Joe helping me has been great, man,” Nico Iamaleava said. “He’s been with me this whole season, the whole way in this bowl game, and yeah, man. I really can’t ask for much more from Joe. He answers every question and I really appreciate him.”

It’s an opportunity that Iamaleava more than took advantage of. He threw for 151 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 27 yards and another three scores during the game. He was named Citrus Bowl MVP. It was an incredibly good first start for a young player.

Coming out of high school, a lot was expected from Nico Iamaleava. He was a five-star recruit in the Class of 2023, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. Iamaleava was the sixth-ranked player nationally in that class. He was also the third-ranked quarterback in that class, behind only Arch Manning and Dante Moore.

After the Citrus Bowl, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel made sure to praise the performance of Iamaleava. He knew this was a big moment against a great defense for the first start of his college career. However, Heupel also made it clear that there is no moment too big for his young signal caller.

“I just think, as a young player, the moment, nothing’s too big for him,” Heupel said. “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’s Tyre West expresses faith in Nico Iamaleava for 2024

Heading into the 2024 season there are going to be high expectations for Nico Iamaleava. His teammates, like Tyre West, believe he can live up to those and more.

“For a long time. I know getting Nico that we’ve got money. For real, for real…We’re going to the Natty. Knowing him, we’re going to the Natty,” West said.

“His ball awareness. Like everything about him lets you know that he’s supposed to be there.”