The Tennessee Volunteers are entering a pivotal 2024 college football season with high expectations, and one of the most critical questions looming over the program is who will take the first snap under center when the Vols face Syracuse in the season opener. With fall camp underway and competition heating up, a well-connected Tennessee insider has weighed in with a strong prediction about who will emerge as the starting quarterback.
For months, the battle has primarily been between five-star freshman Nico Iamaleava and veteran transfer quarterback Hendon Hooker. However, with Hooker now in the NFL, the spotlight has shifted to Iamaleava and redshirt sophomore Tayven Jackson, who has been patiently waiting for his opportunity. According to a source deeply embedded within the program, all signs point to Iamaleava being named the starter when Tennessee kicks off its season against the Orange.
The Case for Nico Iamaleava
Nico Iamaleava, the crown jewel of Tennessee’s 2023 recruiting class, arrived in Knoxville with immense hype. Standing at 6’6” with a rocket arm and elite mobility, he has drawn comparisons to former Vols star and current NFL quarterback Josh Dobbs, but with even higher upside. Though he saw limited action in 2023 behind Hooker, his performances in mop-up duty and spring practices have only fueled the belief that he is the future of the program.
The insider noted that head coach Josh Heupel and offensive coordinator Joey Halzle have been particularly impressed with Iamaleava’s rapid development. “Nico has taken command of the offense in a way that’s rare for a player his age,” the source said. “His ability to process coverages, make adjustments at the line, and extend plays with his legs gives Tennessee a dynamic element that’s hard to defend.”
Another factor working in Iamaleava’s favor is his chemistry with the Vols’ top receivers, particularly Squirrel White and Bru McCoy. Reports from summer workouts indicate that the freshman has built a strong rapport with the pass-catchers, something that has not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff.
Tayven Jackson’s Strong Push
While Iamaleava appears to be the frontrunner, Tayven Jackson has made this a legitimate competition. The 6’3” redshirt sophomore, who transferred from Indiana, has shown significant improvement in his decision-making and arm strength. Jackson’s experience in the system—having spent a full year learning Heupel’s up-tempo offense—gives him an edge in terms of familiarity.
“Tayven has looked really sharp,” the insider said. “He’s more comfortable than ever, and the coaches trust him. If this were a pure system-knowledge competition, he might have the upper hand.”
However, the source also noted that while Jackson has been steady, Iamaleava’s ceiling is simply too high to ignore. “Nico has those ‘wow’ moments in practice that remind you why he was one of the top recruits in the country,” the insider explained. “Tayven is a great player, but Nico has the kind of talent that can take this offense to another level.”
The Syracuse Factor
Tennessee’s season opener against Syracuse will be a crucial early test, and the coaching staff is well aware that the Orange’s defense will present challenges. Syracuse has been known for its aggressive defensive schemes under head coach Dino Babers, and starting a freshman quarterback in that environment could be risky.
However, the insider believes that Heupel is not one to shy away from playing his best talent, regardless of experience. “If Nico gives them the best chance to win—and all indications are that he does—then they’ll roll with him,” the source said. “This staff isn’t afraid to play young guys if they’re ready, and Nico is ready.”
The X-Factor: Joe Milton’s Shadow
Another interesting layer to this discussion is the presence of Joe Milton III, who transferred to Tennessee from Michigan and served as the backup to Hooker before moving on to the NFL. Milton’s strong arm and athleticism made him a fan favorite, but his inconsistency ultimately kept him from securing the full-time starting job.
The insider pointed out that the coaching staff is mindful of not repeating past situations where a highly touted quarterback was rushed into action before fully grasping the offense. However, the source emphasized that Iamaleava is further along in his development than Milton was at the same stage. “Nico is just different,” the insider said. “He’s more polished, more composed, and he’s already showing leadership qualities that you don’t always see in a freshman.”
