SEC Football Previews: Tennessee Volunteers hope Iamaleva is real deal

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel knows quarterbacks, from his years as a decorated man under center for Oklahoma years prior. This season, the Volunteers will lean on redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava to run its powerful offense for the first time. Here is a short preview of the Vols:

COACH — Josh Heupel: 55-20 overall (27-12 in three seasons at Tennessee).

2023 SEASON — 9-4 overall, 4-4 in SEC (3rd, East); Won Citrus Bowl over Iowa.

RETURNING STARTERS — 8 (5 offensive, 2 defensive, 1 special teams).

TOP PLAYERS — QB Nico Iamaleava, RB Dylan Sampson, WR Squirrel White, DE James Pearce, DT Omari Thomas, DT Omarr Norman-Lott, LB Keenan Pili.

KEY LOSSES — QB Joe Milton, RB Jaylen Wright, RB Jabari Small, LB Aaron Beasley, LB Elijah Herring, DB Kamal Hadden.

SEASON OUTLOOK — Tennessee boasted the 19th best offense in the country last season, averaging 448.1 yards per game. With Iamaleava under center this year, there is a chance the offense could be even better. It all, however, depends on the cohesiveness of the offensive line. Passing defense has been a hole for the Vols over the last several seasons, only breaking the top 100 last year. However, they allowed 221.5 yards per game last year, which was good enough for 64th. They will need to find some players to step up in the defensive secondary that has lost 11 players since the end of last season.

SCHEDULE:

Denotes SEC Conference Game.