Tennessee Volunteers starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava suffered an injury during the program’s SEC-ranked matchup against the Alabama Crimson Tide in Week 8. What happened to the redshirt freshman? And who replaced him were the program’s two biggest questions following his exit.
Latest Nico Iamaleava Injury Update
On 2nd and 7, with 11:36 left in the second quarter, Iamaleava attempted to throw out of a sack, but the defender landed awkwardly on his legs. Prior to the broadcast’s commercial break, Iamaleava was in obvious pain after the play.
Nico Iamaleava went down with an injury 😳
🙏🙏🙏 #CollegeFootball pic.twitter.com/8GW8AYShwB
— Locker (@PlayLockerLive) October 19, 2024
He walked off the field and into the medical tent alongside trainers but was able to return on Tennessee’s next drive following an Alabama three-and-out. According to the broadcast, Iamaleava suffered what’s being described as a hip injury.
Update: After missing a costly series, Iamaleava was able to return to the action following treatment for his hip. Though it appears to be nothing too series at this time, it was refreshing to see Iamaleava’s patented zip on his throws that accompanied his return.
Tennessee’s season hung in the balance as Iamaleava was in the tent, as the Vols had to retreat to their backup quarterback in the process.
Who Is Tennessee Backup QB Gaston Moore?
With Iamaleava in the tent, backup QB Gaston Moore, a redshirt senior who transferred from UCF in 2021, took over under center. He played early in the year against Chattanooga and Kent State, completing 11 of 16 passes for 163 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
On 3rd and 9, the very next play after Iamaleava’s injury, Moore escaped the pocket to the right and heaved a pass downfield … only for Alabama DB Malachi Moore to intercept it and return it 41 yards.
Gaston then exited the lineup against Alabama in favor of Iamaleava, who popped back out onto the field from the injury tent the next series.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season with CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
Iamaleava didn’t fare much better on his next time out, taking a shot on a seven-yard run and then throwing his own pick to Crimson Tide CB Jaylen Mbakwe in the red zone later in the drive.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.