Iowa alum George Kittle loses bet on Citrus Bowl, dons Tennessee gear

Since trading in his Iowa black and yellow gear at the end of a stellar college career, it’s been all 49ers red and gold for George Kittle as he’s become a stalwart in the NFL. But the star tight end had to don some vibrant orange after his alma mater was skunked by Tennessee in the Citrus Bowl.

But Kittle at least made some hay of the situation, posting a selfie to his Instagram story while wearing the Vols gear and tagging Tennessee legend Peyton Manning. He flashed a goofy grin for the camera, in character for one of the NFL’s most colorful players.

“So happy right now [Peyton Manning],” Kittle said on the post.

Former Iowa tight end George Kittle wearing Tennessee orange following the Vols beating the Hawkeyes 35-0 😂@SuperBookTN @SuperBookIA pic.twitter.com/M6Rpll8Rwj

— SuperBook Sports (@SuperBookSports) January 2, 2024

The Citrus Bowl went poorly for Kittle’s Hawkeyes which, for the second straight game, got shut out. The Volunteers rolled up 35 points and never looked challenge defending the moribund Iowa offense. It was likely always a bit of a long shot bet, but Tennessee made it more or less academic quickly against the Hawkeyes.

It’s unclear who exactly Kittle was wagering with, but only one active San Francisco 49er went to Tennessee: wide receiver Jauan Jennings.

The Tennessee win was strong starting debut for Nico Iamaleava

After the game, defensive lineman Tyre West explained that the win is going to help Tennessee go into the offseason and prepare the team for 2024.

“It really just let us know what pieces we need and let us know where we stand,” West said.

Tyre West also added that he has tons of faith in Nico Iamaleava for the 2024 season based on the bowl and what he’s seen from him in practice. He has so much confidence, in fact, that he thinks a national championship is on the table for Tennessee.

“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.”

Iamaleava was a five-star recruit in the Class of 2023, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He was also the sixth-ranked player nationally in that class and the third-ranked quarterback overall.

In the win over Iowa, Iamaleava took a few drives to get his feet under him before he showed off just what he’s capable of. That included throwing for 151 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 27 yards and another three scores. He was named Citrus Bowl MVP.