Josh Heupel’s time at Tennessee has been like riding a roller coaster. There have been big wins, tough losses, and a couple of controversies. But the Volunteers are at a crossroads with the 2025 season coming up. QB Nico Iamaleava’s exit has left Tennessee without a clear quarterback, which makes it hard to see how they can compete in the SEC.
CFB expert Joel Klatt didn’t hold back when he talked about how Iamaleava’s departure affected the team and how much heat is now on Heupel. He didn’t like the Nico Iamaleava story, which shows that Tennessee’s team has bigger problems to deal with ahead of the new season.
Analyst Joel Klatt Speaks Out on Nico Iamaleava Drama, Josh Heupel’s 2025 Outlook
Tennessee finished the 2024 season with a 10-3 record, making the College Football Playoff but losing to Ohio State in the first round. With head coach Josh Heupel entering his fifth season, expectations remain high despite uncertainty at the quarterback position.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the only problem giving analyst Klatt the biggest headache. In a recent episode of “The Joel Klatt Show,” he addressed the ongoing Iamaleava saga, which has left Tennessee without a clear starter heading into the 2025 season.
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Klatt acknowledged the mixed feelings among Tennessee fans regarding Heupel’s tenure, saying, “I got to tell you, [I] didn’t love the whole Nico Iamaleava saga… I think it’s ‘We like you, but…’ Some really good years with Josh Heupel. Some marquee failures under Josh Heupel. It does not help that they lost their quarterback.”
The departure of Iamaleava, who transferred to UCLA, has created uncertainty, and Klatt pointed out that the fan base played a role in how the situation unfolded.
“They ran out there and ran Nico Iamaleava under the bus,” he added, noting that while Iamaleava and his family shared some responsibility for the fallout, the situation was more complex than it appeared. Tennessee now faces a difficult schedule without a proven quarterback, adding pressure on Heupel to deliver results.
Klatt also highlighted key matchups that will define Tennessee’s season, including Alabama on October 18 and Oklahoma on November 1. He emphasized that the game against Kentucky is a must-win, stating, “Kentucky is the one that you just can’t lose to. And it’s on the road.”
He projected Tennessee to be 5-1 heading into the second half of the season, but acknowledged that losses to Georgia and Alabama could put them in a tough position.
KEEP READING: Analyst Compares Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar to Vols Legend in Bold 2025 Season Prediction
The battle against Oklahoma is particularly crucial, as the analyst explained, “OU wants to take your spot in the conference. Remember now, hierarchy of the conference is gonna be so important as we move forward.” A loss to Oklahoma could damage Tennessee’s standing in the SEC, affecting recruiting and long-term program stability.
The Volunteers will open their 2025 campaign against Syracuse on August 30, but the most pressing concern is how the quarterback scenario will play out.
With uncertainty under center and crucial matchups coming, Tennessee supporters are waiting to see whether the head coach can handle the pressure and keep the Vols competitive in the SEC.
Right now, it seems as though Joey Aguilar, a former Appalachian State quarterback, will start for the Vols in 2025. Aguilar was with UCLA for a short stint until Iamaleava’s transfer caused a “quarterback swap” of sorts that landed the former Mountaineer in Knoxville.
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