Nico Iamaleava is pleased with Tennessee head football coach Josh Heupel’s recruitment strategy for this cycle.
Josh Heupel, the head coach of Tennessee football, is doing everything he can to satisfy star quarterback Nico Iamaleava. And for the long haul, in Knoxville.
The Volunteers will concentrate on adding a transfer portal receiver to help restock the ranks, as VolQuest’s Brent Hubbs clarified on Ramon, Kayla, and Will of 104.5 The Zone on Friday. Tennessee lost more upperclassmen to the expiration of their eligibility and six receivers via the transfer portal.
The coaching staff will also concentrate on increasing the number of secondary and trench personnel.
According to A to Z Sports, Hubbs stated, “They would definitely like to add another receiver in this cycle if they can.” “Now the question is is there somebody they like right now. We shall see. Although they haven’t invited anyone to visit the campus, I believe they are testing the waters with men who are currently in or plan to enter the portal. The college football season will end in ten days, so there is still time for some individuals to enter. Additionally, you have the spring cycle, and what does that look like? We shall see.
“I believe Tennessee will continue to operate. Additionally, they have Emmanuel Pregnon, an offensive lineman, who is a USC transfer who has been on campus for the previous 24 hours. That seems like a war between Tennessee and Oregon. His next destination is Texas. Let’s see how that one turns out. Therefore, if Tennessee can acquire the offensive guard they truly like, I believe they would prefer to have one. And a receiver, no doubt. After that, we’ll watch their defensive actions. Will they bring in a defensive lineman after looking at some? Would they kick tires there if the right defensive back [enters the portal]? They would definitely check out those locations, in my opinion. Additionally, they might run back and accomplish something, either now or during the spring cycle. I believe you’re constantly searching. They’re not just taking a body, in my opinion. The fit must be perfect. However, you’re undoubtedly searching for possible matches.
The second-year star’s ceiling has been constrained by Heupel’s alleged failure to provide Iamaleava with an offensively compelling scenario in 2024.
“Under Josh Heupel, Tennessee has won 30 games in a row over the last three seasons, so if the Volunteers make an impression in 2025, they won’t be a shocking candidate. But winning an SEC championship and going farther in the College Football Playoffs would undoubtedly be regarded as a brilliant moment. In 2024, quarterback Nico Iamaleava’s one-dimensional offense failed to live up to high expectations. Cody Nagel of 247 Sports commented, “There is reason to believe the Big Orange could emerge as a serious national contender if Tennessee can get some additional help around him.”
It’s excellent that Heupel is aware of his issues. He gets paid a lot of money for fixing problems, and he will stop getting paid a lot of money if the Volunteers don’t maintain their College Football Playoff level for the following two years.
