November 4, 2023 – Knoxville, Tennessee Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava (#8) celebrates after the UConn Huskies vs. Tennessee Volunteers game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Tennessee Athletics/Ian Cox photo.
With the end of signing day, the on-field news wire may have picked up a little bit, but as spring camp approaches, Tennessee Football-related activities will undoubtedly kick back up. This machine has a completely different component than the news off the pitch.
The Tennessee Vols are much anticipated in Knoxville, especially because of the mystery surrounding two players who stood out in the team’s Citrus Bowl victory against Iowa. Although Tennessee does have talented players all over the field, Nico Iamaleava, the quarterback, and James Pearce Jr., the EDGE rusher, have drawn the attention of both fans and the media.
In the Citrus Bowl, Iamaleava made his Tennessee football debut as a starting player. He scored three touchdowns on the ground and one through the air. The former five-star prospect put on an excellent display, running a fast-paced offence, distributing the ball with assurance, and making effective use of his legs.
James Pearce Jr., a rusher for EDGE, put up another great effort in the Citrus Bowl. He finished with a 52-yard pick-six, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. Pearce was a terrifying presence in the backfield, compelling Iowa to switch quarterbacks due to the poor performance of their starter versus Tennessee’s pressure, which was spearheaded by Pearce.
The acquisition of OT Lance Heard from LSU and WR Chris Brazzell from Tulane to the offence this winter strengthened key offensive weak points for the Vols, who also made some significant offensive changes through the transfer portal. Additionally, it was announced that C Cooper Mays and WR Bru McCoy would be playing their final seasons in Knoxville.
The Vols came in just outside of the Top 15 in ESPN’s much too early Top 25 rankings, which were announced on Tuesday.
Tennessee Football, led by Iamaleava and Pearce, is ranked No. 16 in Schlabach’s far too early rankings.
Schlabach stated, “[Nico] Iamaleava will have plenty of playmakers available on offence, including Chris Brazzell II, who was Tulane’s leading pass-catcher in 2023, Squirrel White, and Bru McCoy.” With tackle John Campbell Jr. and centre Cooper Mays returning, the offensive line should be strong. Zalance Heard of LSU, one of the best offensive linemen on the portal, was added by the Vols. Following the entry of six defensive backs through the transfer window, strengthening the secondary will be a top emphasis in the spring.
In terms of Southeastern Conference clubs, the Vols have some catching up to do even with their strong placement in the Top 16. Following the inclusion of Texas and Oklahoma in the rankings, Tennessee is now ranked seventh among SEC teams. Schlabach has high expectations for Missouri following an outstanding 2023 campaign and Ole Miss following a devious transfer portal run.
Teams from the SEC in ESPN’s Much Too Early Rankings
1. The Bulldogs of Georgia
The Texas Longhorns 4.
6. The Rebels, Ole Miss
7. Tigers from Missouri
9. Crimson Tide of Alabama
12. The Tigers from LSU
14. Sooners of Oklahoma
16. Volunteers from Tennessee
23. The Wildcats of Kentucky
Texas A&M Aggies, 25
The Michigan Wolverines, who finished first in 2023–2024 without Jim Harbaugh, are ranked No. 13 in the rankings. No. 2 Ohio State, No. 15 Florida State, and No. 19 Clemson are some more noteworthy landing sites. Iowa, Tennessee’s Citrus Bowl rival, is listed with USC, SMU, Wisconsin, and other teams in the “Just Missed” category.
