“He should have been in New York” – Former Alabama QB says the Tennessee Vols were robbed of having a Heisman finalist
In a college football landscape where individual brilliance often takes a backseat to narratives and preseason hype, one former SEC legend is speaking up. And he’s not holding back.
“He should have been in New York,” former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy said this week on his ESPN podcast, referring to Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava. “There’s no question about it. The Heisman Trophy is supposed to reward the best player in college football, and somehow, some way, the voters got it wrong again.”
McElroy’s comments have added fuel to a growing fire among Tennessee fans, who feel Iamaleava’s stunning 2024 campaign was unfairly overlooked by Heisman voters who, critics argue, continue to reward flash over substance, and reputation over results.
Iamaleava, who took over as the full-time starter for the Volunteers after Joe Milton’s departure, was everything Tennessee hoped for and more. A former five-star recruit with sky-high expectations, he not only met the moment—he dominated it. The 6-foot-6 signal-caller led the Vols to a 10-2 regular season, their best record since the magical 2022 campaign under Hendon Hooker. But more than wins, it was how Nico played that drew admiration from SEC opponents, college football analysts, and, notably, one of his biggest rivals.
McElroy, who led Alabama to a national championship in 2009 and now works as an analyst for ESPN, emphasized that Iamaleava’s growth, leadership, and impact were Heisman-worthy.
“You look at the criteria—it’s not just stats. It’s value. It’s dominance. It’s leadership,” McElroy said. “He carried Tennessee. Without him, they don’t sniff 10 wins. Without him, they don’t beat Georgia. They don’t hang 42 on Alabama in Tuscaloosa. That kid deserved to be in New York.”
Indeed, Iamaleava’s numbers are eye-popping. In his first full season as a starter, the California native threw for 3,412 yards and 31 touchdowns with just five interceptions. He rushed for another 623 yards and 11 scores, showcasing a dual-threat ability that kept opposing defensive coordinators up at night. His total of 42 touchdowns ranked among the top five nationally, and his passer efficiency rating of 174.6 led the SEC.
And yet, when the Heisman Trophy finalists were announced, his name was nowhere to be found.
Instead, the invitees included expected names from traditional powerhouses—Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., LSU’s Jayden Daniels, and Oregon’s Bo Nix. All worthy players, no doubt. But to many—including McElroy—leaving Iamaleava out felt like a betrayal of what the award is supposed to represent.
“You can’t watch the tape and tell me he’s not one of the best in the country,” McElroy added. “He didn’t get the preseason hype. He wasn’t handed the job last year. He earned every snap, and Tennessee is a contender again because of him. He should’ve been on that stage.”
The snub has reignited long-standing questions about the Heisman voting process, especially regarding regional bias and narrative-driven decisions. Critics argue that voters often rely on preseason expectations, brand name recognition, or stat-padding blowouts rather than watching the full scope of a player’s season—especially those who don’t play in prime-time slots or who are omitted from early-season watch lists.
For Tennessee fans, the situation feels all too familiar.
Two years ago, Hendon Hooker had a similarly impressive campaign—beating Alabama, shredding SEC defenses, and putting the Vols in the national title conversation—before a late-season injury and a sudden shift in media attention derailed his Heisman campaign. Hooker was ultimately left out of the finalist group as well.
Now, with Iamaleava’s omission, Tennessee faithful feel doubly robbed.
“This is twice now,” longtime Knoxville radio host Tony Basilio said. “Hooker got snubbed. Now Nico gets snubbed. What does Tennessee have to do to get a guy to New York? It’s like the program is being punished for not being one of the ‘usual suspects.’”
On campus, the reaction has been swift and emotional. Social media erupted with frustration from fans, former players, and even current teammates.
“Most disrespected QB in the nation,” Tennessee wide receiver Bru McCoy posted on X, formerly Twitter. “Y’all saw what he did to Alabama. Y’all saw what he did to Georgia. And still no invite? Unreal.”
Another player, running back Dylan Sampson, wrote: “Nico made everybody better. We won 10 games in the SEC. That’s not normal. That’s special. They got it wrong.”
For his part, Iamaleava has remained humble, declining to speak out publicly about the snub. Instead, he issued a brief statement thanking his teammates, coaches, and fans for their support.
“All glory to God. I’m proud of what we accomplished this season. It’s just the beginning. Go Vols.”
That maturity and poise are part of what makes Iamaleava so beloved in Knoxville. He’s not just a highlight machine; he’s a leader. A film junkie. A gym rat. He’s the first to arrive at the facility and the last to leave. Coaches have praised his work ethic since he arrived on campus, and now, with a full year
