According to Tennessee Athletics, Tennessee Head Football Coach Josh Heupel named true freshman Nico Iamaleava as the team’s starting quarterback against No. 17 Iowa after sixth-year senior Joe Milton III officially declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. Though he won’t play in the game, Milton has participated in practice and meetings all December and will continue to serve a leadership role all week in Orlando. He concludes his season with 3,112 yards of total offense—good for eighth in UT single-season annals. “Guys are excited to get an opportunity to play with Nico,” Heupel said.
Iamaleava (pronounced ee-ah-MAH-LAY-ah-va) will become the fourth Tennessee quarterback to start a bowl game as a true freshman, joining Tyler Bray (2010 Music City Bowl vs. North Carolina), Casey Clausen (2001 Cotton Bowl vs. Kansas State) and Peyton Manning (1994 Gator Bowl vs. Virginia Tech).
Iamaleava will not be the only one making his first career start. Sophomore running back Dylan Sampson, who is tied for the team lead in rushing touchdowns with seven, is poised to see his most significant action. All-SEC running back Jaylen Wright declared for the NFL Draft earlier this month.
Kickoff for #21 Tennessee and #17 Iowa is 12 p.m. on New Year’s Day from Camping World Stadium.