ESPN Answers Tennessee's Biggest 2024 Question

ESPN recently released an early preview ranking the biggest question mark for each team currently ranked in the College Football Playoff poll. All eyes come back to the quarterback position for Tennessee - they didn't get the same quarterback play in 2023 that they did in 2022, and it held back the passing offense.

With quarterback Joe Milton III on to the professional ranks, former blue-chip recruit Nico Iamaleava will be the presumed starter. Iamaleava was the No. 2 overall prospect in the 247Sports' Composite Rankings for the 2023 class and has been the biggest recruiting win to date for Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel. ESPN offered their thoughts on the matter heading into next season.

"All eyes will be on prized quarterback Nico Iamaleava this spring and leading into the 2024 season. Blessed with incredible arm strength, Iamaleava redshirted this season, so there were only glimpses of what he could do, and those came in mop-up duty. But he's clearly Tennessee's quarterback of the future, and coach Josh Heupel wants to build around him. The Vols will likely look to the portal to give Iamaleava another dynamic receiver to throw to. They could also use some help (and depth) in the offensive line depending on who's back and who decides to leave. There will be considerable pressure on Iamaleava to deliver -- and deliver quickly. He was a massive recruit for Tennessee, and there are always growing pains for a first-year starting quarterback in the SEC. But the Vols are betting that he has what it takes to get them back among the upper echelon in the league." - ESPN on Tennessee in 2024

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