Nicholaus Iamaleava Jr. is his full name.
Weight/Height: 205 lbs./6’6″
Place of residence: Long Beach, California
Ranking for Recruiting:
5-star quarterback (ranked second overall by 247Sports Composite in the 2023 class)
renowned for having exceptional arm strength, agility, and poise.
NIL Value: According to Spyre Sports Group, one of the first well-known prospects to sign a speculated seven-figure NIL contract with Tennessee
Why 2025 Will Be His Biggest Year
In 2023, Nico played a couple games behind Joe Milton as a backup.
He started six games in 2024 following Milton’s injury problems and departure. He displayed:
Brilliant bursts of precision in deep ball
Better judgment
In SEC road settings, poise under pressure
It is now officially his team in 2025, and he is anticipated to lead Tennessee’s offensive.
Spring Game Recap 2025
In the Orange & White Game against Tennessee in April 2025, Nico passed for 275 yards and three touchdowns.
He was frequently in contact with wide receivers Chris Brazzell II and Squirrel White.
Coaches commended his improved footwork, leadership in the huddle, and offensive command.
Josh Heupel: “Nico now has complete control.” He is now an outspoken leader. The talent for arms? No one has ever questioned that.
National Media Attention
Greg McElroy, of ESPN, spoke on Always College Football:
“Tennessee is a legitimate dark horse for the playoffs if Nico Iamaleava plays to his full potential.”
Nico is ranked among the Top 10 Heisman Watch contenders for 2025 by The Athletic.
Nico and Development Focus Coaches are collaborating on:
Pre-snap readings: Developing full-field moves in opposition to intricate SEC defenses
Ball security: He needs to improve his red-zone discipline after he had seven interceptions in 2024.
RPO choices: Time throws and fast reads are key components of Heupel’s approach.
Running ability: The staff is creating more QB run sets, and he possesses a speed of 4.6.
Anticipations for Nico Iamaleava’s Category Project in 2025
Moving Yards 3,500 to over 4,000 touchdowns 5–7 rushing, 30+ passing
63–65% completion rate
Heisman’s odds Top 10 in the country (according to Caesars/FanDuel)
NFL Draft Stock He might declare in 2026 and be a first-round pick.
WR Chemistry
During the off-season, Nico has developed close relationships with:
Squirrel White: WR1 potential and deep speed
6’5″ red zone target Chris Brazzell II (transfer from Tulane)
Dante Thornton Jr. is a slot threat who is in good health.
Holden Staes, tight end (Notre Dame transfer)
Nico’s vertical passing skills are well suited to the deeper and more explosive WR room compared to 2024.
A synopsis of Nico Iamaleava’s 2025 QB1 Watch
Characteristic Status Experience made significant starts in 2024 and became a full-time starter in 2025.
Being a leader rising loud leader in the offensive and locker room
Advantages Excellent arm, poise, mobility, and deep ball accuracy require improvement. Red-zone polish, blitz readings, and turnover control
NFL Potential High—Day 1 pick if he keeps going in this direction
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