Greg McElroy: If Nico is a Heisman finalist, Tennessee could win a national championship
Greg McElroy can see it coming. If Nico Iamaleava lives up to the hype, if the former five-star prospect and No. 1 overall player in the country hits his ceiling, Tennessee Football would not only be a contender, but could win a national championship.
Even if he’s just a redshirt freshman. Even if he only has one start under his belt.
“I think that if Nico, if he’s capable of playing to the top of the sport at his position,” McElroy said this week, “Tennessee is going to be in a great position to win the national championship.
“It would be asking a lot for a guy that has only played one game, but crazier things have happened, especially with a ceiling like that. It wouldn’t shock me if Nico is every bit as advertised.”
Nico Iamaleava in first career start: 178 total yards, 4 total TD
Iamaleava made his first career start in Tennessee’s 35-0 win over Iowa in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Day, accounting for 178 total yards and four total touchdowns. In his five games as a freshman last season, Iamaleava completed 28 of 45 passes for 314 yards and two touchdowns and ran 20 times for 71 yards and had three rushing touchdowns.
He was ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect by On3 in the 2023 class, picking the Vols over Miami, Alabama, Georgia and others.
“I’m really excited about what (Iamaleava) brings to the table,” Tennessee offensive coordinator Joey Halzle said last week. “Joe (Milton III) had his own skillset and we catered to that. Nico’s got his own, you’re going to cater to that.
“So whatever that ends up looking like as we get rolling, it’s going to be actually fun to watch but really, really excited about what he can bring to the table this fall.”
Season Opener: No. 15 Tennessee vs. Iowa, August 31, 12:45 p.m. ET, SEC Network
Handon Hooker was a leading Heisman candidate in 2022 after leading Tennessee to an 8-0 start and a No. 1 ranking in the first College Football Playoff ranking of the season. Those hopes were dashed when Tennessee lost two of its next three games and Hooker was lost to a torn ACL.
Joe Milton III took over for Hooker last season, with Iamaleava sitting out as a true freshman.
“We all know what went down last year,” McElroy said. “The transition in 2022 from Hendon Hooker to Joe Milton wasn’t ideal, right? Nico Iamaleava coming in as the top recruit, very gifted, looked really comfortable in his first career start against Iowa. We know Iowa is a very sound, solid defense.
“I think if he’s a Heisman finalist, not only is Tennessee in the playoff, but Tennessee is a legitimate national championship contender.”
