The Nico Iamaleava era as Tennessee’s starting quarterback begins Monday against Iowa in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla. Senior starter Joe Milton has announced his pivot to NFL Draft preparations, leaving Iamaleava to take over the starting job. Tennessee has confirmed that Milton is with the team in Orlando but will not play.
Iamaleava, a true sophomore, is the key recruit of coach Josh Heupel’s tenure. He will face a tough test in his first start against Iowa’s stingy defense, coordinated by Phil Parker. Iowa’s defense is known for being averse to giving up big plays.
Milton, a transfer from Michigan, lost the starting job to Hendon Hooker early in the 2021 season but remained as his backup in 2022. He had a solid season as a sixth-year senior, throwing for 2,813 yards with 20 touchdowns and five interceptions, along with 299 yards and seven touchdowns rushing.
The interest in the Citrus Bowl has skyrocketed with Iamaleava taking over as the starting quarterback. Tennessee fans have been calling for Iamaleava to play as the season progressed. Despite his slender frame, Iamaleava has shown talent in limited action this season, going 16 for 26 for 163 yards and a touchdown, with 44 yards on five rushing attempts. He is praised for his maturity and is considered a twitchy, smooth athlete with a big arm.
Iowa’s defense will pose a challenge for Iamaleava. This is the second consecutive bowl game where Iowa faces an SEC team after a quarterback has opted out. In last year’s Music City Bowl, Kentucky’s Destin Wade replaced Will Levis and struggled against Iowa’s defense, resulting in a 21-0 Iowa win. Iowa’s defense ranks eighth in passing yards allowed and fifth nationally in defensive passer rating. The discipline and physicality of Parker’s zone defense can make it difficult for any first-time quarterback to succeed.
In conclusion, the Citrus Bowl matchup between Tennessee and Iowa will mark the beginning of the Nico Iamaleava era as Tennessee’s starting quarterback. He will face a tough challenge against Iowa’s strong defense, but his talent and maturity have earned him praise. The game will be an important opportunity for Iamaleava to prove himself as he takes over the offense.