Urban Meyer Backs Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava for Breakout Season

by Nicholas Edwards · 04/09/2024

Urban Meyer predicts Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava will lead the Vols to a College Football Playoff spot after an impressive Week 1 performance.

Bollywood Fever: Former Florida and Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer has heaped praise on Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava after a stellar Week 1 performance, where the redshirt freshman threw for 314 yards and three touchdowns in just one half during a 69-3 blowout win over Chattanooga.

Meyer, who has been vocal about Iamaleava’s potential, remains confident in the quarterback ahead of Tennessee’s upcoming showdown with No. 24 NC State.

Urban Meyer Backs Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava for Breakout Season and College Football Playoff Run

Despite the tougher competition, Meyer believes Iamaleava will continue to shine and has even predicted the Volunteers to cover the spread (-7.5) and make a run for the College Football Playoff.

“NC State, really good coach. Dave Doeren. Very tough place to play,” Meyer said on The Triple Option. “However, I went back and watched Tennessee. They have a quarterback… His name’s Nico Iamaleava… the ball came out like a missile. … This guy is unbelievable… I’m putting them to cover the spread, and I think they’ll be a playoff team.”

Iamaleava, the No. 1 overall prospect in On3’s 2023 rankings, impressed during his debut season, including a standout performance in the Citrus Bowl, where he led Tennessee to a 35-0 win over Iowa and earned MVP honors.

His Week 1 performance against Chattanooga further solidifies his potential as one of the top quarterbacks in college football.