Where Does Tennessee Volunteers QB Nico Iamaleava Stand in the SEC QB Rankings?

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has long been known for producing elite quarterbacks, with a rich history of signal-callers who have gone on to stardom both in college football and the NFL. From legendary names like Peyton Manning and Eli Manning to current stars such as Bryce Young and Stetson Bennett, the SEC has been a breeding ground for top-tier quarterback talent. As the 2025 season approaches, one name that is generating significant buzz is Nico Iamaleava, the highly-touted freshman quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers.

Iamaleava, who arrived in Knoxville as one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the 2023 recruiting class, is set to take the reins as the Vols’ starting quarterback. With Tennessee’s offensive system under head coach Josh Heupel—a high-paced, explosive attack designed to maximize the talents of its quarterback—Iamaleava enters the spotlight with high expectations. But in a conference known for its elite quarterbacks, where does he stack up among the SEC’s best?

In this article, we will analyze Nico Iamaleava’s potential, compare him to other SEC quarterbacks, and attempt to gauge where he fits within the competitive landscape of one of college football’s most quarterback-rich conferences.

The Iamaleava Factor: An Intriguing Talent

Nico Iamaleava’s arrival in Tennessee was met with considerable fanfare. Ranked as a five-star recruit and the No. 1 overall quarterback prospect in the 2023 class by multiple recruiting services, Iamaleava is a player who oozes potential. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing in at 210 pounds, Iamaleava has the prototypical size for a modern quarterback. More than just his physical attributes, it’s his raw talent, arm strength, mobility, and football IQ that have drawn comparisons to some of the best in the business.

During his time at Long Beach Poly High School in California, Iamaleava showcased his ability to make all the necessary throws, from deep bombs to quick outs, while maintaining the poise of an experienced veteran. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions on the fly only adds to his value as a quarterback. While high school tape only tells part of the story, it’s enough to see why Tennessee is so excited about his future.

Still, entering the SEC, especially as a freshman, is no small task. The level of competition in the SEC is unlike any other, and quarterbacks are often asked to perform in high-pressure situations against some of the nation’s toughest defenses. For Iamaleava, the challenge will be adapting to the speed of the game while dealing with expectations that come with being one of the most high-profile quarterbacks in the country.

The SEC Quarterback Landscape

Before diving into where Iamaleava ranks specifically, it’s important to take a step back and understand the landscape of SEC quarterbacks in 2025. The SEC is home to some of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the nation, each of whom brings their own unique skill set to the table.

As we examine Iamaleava’s place in the rankings, we must consider both returning players and newcomers, as the conference is constantly evolving. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the top quarterbacks in the SEC as of the 2025 season.

1. Jaden Daniels – LSU

Jaden Daniels is coming off a highly productive season for the LSU Tigers, and he enters the 2025 campaign as one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC. The Arizona State transfer was instrumental in LSU’s success in 2024, displaying elite mobility, accuracy, and decision-making. Daniels can beat teams with both his arm and his legs, making him one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in college football.

In 2024, Daniels threw for over 3,500 yards and 30 touchdowns while rushing for over 700 yards and 10 touchdowns. His combination of mobility and passing ability makes him a top-tier SEC quarterback, and heading into 2025, he’s widely regarded as one of the best signal-callers in the country.

2. KJ Jefferson – Arkansas

KJ Jefferson, the powerful dual-threat quarterback for Arkansas, has been one of the most consistent performers in the SEC over the past few seasons. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, Jefferson combines size, strength, and mobility to dominate defenses. He has proven to be a steady presence for the Razorbacks, and his ability to run and throw makes him a challenging matchup for SEC defenses.

Jefferson’s ability to take over games with his physicality and his playmaking under pressure has earned him high marks as one of the SEC’s best. With more experience and growth, Jefferson could be a player to watch closely in 2025.

3. Carson Beck – Georgia

Carson Beck, a former five-star recruit, is expected to step into the starting role for Georgia following Stetson Bennett’s departure. The Bulldogs’ offense is built around a powerful running game and strong defense, but Beck has the tools to elevate the offense in the passing game. With an excellent supporting cast, including an elite offensive line and weapons in the receiving corps, Beck could very well step into the role of a top-tier SEC quarterback.

Beck has big shoes to fill following Bennett’s success, but with his strong arm and ability to make NFL-caliber throws, he could rise quickly through the ranks of SEC quarterbacks.

4. Will Rogers – Mississippi State

Will Rogers is entering his senior season with Mississippi State and has been one of the most productive quarterbacks in the SEC over the past few seasons. Known for his efficiency and accuracy, Rogers excels in a pass-heavy offense that allows him to rack up impressive stats. His quick release, high football IQ, and leadership make him a valuable asset for the Bulldogs.

Though he may not possess the same physical gifts as some of the other quarterbacks in the conference, Rogers’ consistency and poise make him a formidable force in the SEC.

5. Devin Leary – Kentucky

Devin Leary, the transfer from NC State, is expected to be the starting quarterback for Kentucky in 2025. Leary has been a highly productive quarterback throughout his college career, with impressive passing numbers and a reputation for making clutch throws in big moments. Leary should provide Kentucky’s offense with a significant boost, especially with their strong defense and stable run game.

With a solid offensive line and talented skill players around him, Leary could make an immediate impact in the SEC and establish himself as one of the better quarterbacks in the conference.

Where Does Nico Iamaleava Fit?

As we consider the established quarterbacks of the SEC, it’s clear that the competition for the top spot is fierce. However, Iamaleava enters the conversation with a unique combination of raw talent, potential, and upside.

While Iamaleava may not yet have the track record of some of the veterans in the conference, his upside is hard to ignore. His physical tools—namely his arm strength, size, and mobility—are on par with some of the SEC’s best quarterbacks. Furthermore, his ability to adapt to Tennessee’s high-tempo, pass-heavy system could help him accelerate his development and make an immediate impact.

Given that Iamaleava has not yet taken a snap in an SEC game, projecting where he stands in the conference’s quarterback rankings is a challenge. That said, there are several factors to consider that could elevate Iamaleava quickly:

• Tennessee’s Offensive System: Josh Heupel’s high-paced offense is tailor-made for a quarterback like Iamaleava. His ability to stretch the field with deep passes and make quick, decisive throws will play to his strengths. If Iamaleava can quickly pick up the offense and get comfortable, he could thrive in a system that values speed and explosiveness.
• Athleticism and Tools: While quarterbacks like Jaden Daniels and KJ Jefferson have proven dual-threat ability, Iamaleava is also a capable athlete who can extend plays with his legs. His size and mobility give him a distinct advantage in making plays both inside and outside the pocket.
• Surrounding Talent: Tennessee has a solid supporting cast, including talented wide receivers and a strong offensive line, which will help Iamaleava settle into the role quickly. If he can develop chemistry with playmakers like Bru McCoy and Squirrel White, he will be well-positioned for success.