Nico Iamaleava heads into the season as a Heisman favorite. Can his newly found leadership spur the Volunteers onto success?
Nico Iamaleava Grows Into Leadership Position
After waiting his turn behind Joe Milton, Iamaleava took the reins of the Tennessee offense in 2024. The team responded with a College Football Playoff appearance. Alongside a 10-3 record, the Volunteers enter 2025 with the highest of hopes.
Moreover, many expect Iamaleava to compete for the majority, if not all fall, as a Heisman Trophy candidate. To win games at a level and remain in the Heisman race, the quarterback needs to calm all doubt, emerging as the team leader to run the team.
According to UT quarterbacks coach Joey Halzle via On3’s Dan Morrison, Iamaleava started stepping up and challenging his offense, explaining:
“Like he’s not gonna ever just start screaming and like throwing stuff that’s not him,” Halzle said. “But what he will do is step up and see something that he doesn’t think is right and he stepped in front of the group and addressed it in the way that fit him. It was assertive, but it wasn’t anything that wasn’t him.”
That signals a change for the laid-back Californian. While fiery, the normally introverted passer would grab his team’s attention in the most mellow way. Instead of barking orders, Iamaleava took the tact of quieter leadership.
In all honesty, that goes far in regard to players buying in, ready to run through a metaphorical wall for their quarterback. Times change, as does how many modern quarterbacks relate to their offenses. Now, that doesn’t mean the message is powerful. Lower volume does not equal lower intensity or respect.
In the era of social media, everything becomes public knowledge within almost minutes of occurring. Despite possessing a modern approach to leadership, Iamaleava prefers to take an old-school approach to discussing the specifics of what he discusses with his offense.
That signifies mutual respect between a quarterback and his team. Nothing needs to be publicized.
When faced with questions from the media, Iamaleava fielded them like a pro. He did not appear nervous or apprehensive. He discussed leadership in a sit-down with the Volquest YouTube channel:
“Getting out, in front of the whole team. I got comfortable speaking with my individual position groups. When it comes to the offense, the defense, the whole team hears your voice. That’s been the biggest thing for me.”
2025 sees the University of Tennessee at a crossroads. Who are they, with respect to not only SEC hierarchy but also the college football landscape? Yes, rolling out the 15th-best offense and sixth-stingiest defense should make the Volunteers rank among the best in the sport.
Meanwhile, hiccups seem to inevitably cost head coach Josh Heupel. For instance, after scoring 14 points to take the lead against Arkansas, UT punted four consecutive times. The offense stalled.
Additionally, on the last drive, Iamaleava could not score late versus the Razorbacks, ranked 73rd in total defense. Tennessee, if it truly envisions its football program as elite, must win the ugly games.
Nico Iamaleava enjoys privileges that many quarterbacks don’t. He plays in an extremely quarterback-friendly offense that wants him to expand the field to threaten defenses. The head coach, a former quarterback himself, wants to target as many receivers as well.
MORE VOLS COVERAGE: Nico Iamaleava Sings Praises of Tennessee Freshman WR Travis Smith
The program recruits well, surrounding its quarterback with immense talent. Now, Iamaleava must lead his team not just to a CFP berth but at least a win in order to get the momentum rolling. SEC or not, Tennessee lines up well with just about every school. Under those circumstances, the quarterback must carry them to the next level.
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