Last year was Nico Iamaleava’s first season as Tennessee’s starter, this year the staff is hoping it becomes his team. The former five-star prospect has reportedly been a much more vocal leader in team sessions so far this offseason, while pushing others around him to get better even when away from Knoxville.
One of those he’s pushing is Mike Matthews, who might just end up being his top target this fall. Through all the NIL drama and rumors, both Matthews and Iamaleava ended up staying in hopes of taking this offense to the next level in 2025. Spring practice got going last week, but the work began long before that.