College football insider details the main thing the Tennessee Vols are asking QB Nico Iamaleava to do differently in 2025

College Football Insider Details the Main Thing the Tennessee Vols Are Asking QB Nico Iamaleava to Do Differently in 2025

As the Tennessee Volunteers head into the 2025 college football season, one player’s performance will be pivotal in determining the success of the program: quarterback Nico Iamaleava. The 6’6″, 215-pound signal caller is a highly touted prospect who has already made a mark in Tennessee’s football program. As the Vols aim to build upon their success from previous seasons, Iamaleava’s development will be one of the most closely watched storylines, and there is a clear focus on what he must improve in 2025. College football insiders reveal that Tennessee’s coaching staff is asking Iamaleava to make significant adjustments to his approach, particularly in terms of consistency, decision-making, and leadership.

While Iamaleava undoubtedly possesses all the raw talent necessary to succeed at the highest level—his arm strength, athleticism, and ability to make big plays are all key assets—there are areas where he needs to evolve and refine his game. As he enters his second season as Tennessee’s starting quarterback, the Vols are looking for Iamaleava to take on a more commanding presence on the field and play a central role in driving the team to higher levels of success in 2025. This article explores the main things Tennessee is asking Iamaleava to do differently, focusing on his development and how these changes could impact the Vols’ championship aspirations.

The Raw Talent of Nico Iamaleava

Before delving into what the Tennessee Vols are asking of Iamaleava, it’s important to acknowledge the immense potential the quarterback brings to the table. Iamaleava, a five-star recruit from Long Beach, California, was one of the most highly anticipated quarterbacks in the 2024 recruiting class. His combination of size, mobility, and arm strength has made him an immediate focal point of Tennessee’s offense. Iamaleava can throw deep passes with precision, is capable of extending plays with his legs, and has shown glimpses of the leadership qualities necessary to excel at the highest levels of college football.

In his freshman season, Iamaleava showcased flashes of brilliance, but he also struggled with consistency at times. His raw talent was evident, but he needed time to adjust to the speed of the game at the SEC level. Over the course of the 2024 season, Iamaleava displayed the ability to make thrilling throws and create plays under pressure, but he also faced some growing pains, particularly in terms of timing, decision-making, and mental toughness.

Despite these challenges, the coaching staff has expressed great confidence in Iamaleava’s potential. His trajectory in Tennessee’s offense remains incredibly promising, and the Vols are invested in his growth as their leader under center. This offseason, the coaches have outlined several areas for improvement in 2025, and these changes could be key to unlocking his full potential.

Main Focus for 2025: Improving Consistency

While Iamaleava’s arm talent and physical attributes are undoubtedly special, one area where the Vols coaching staff wants him to improve in 2025 is consistency. It’s not uncommon for young quarterbacks to struggle with consistency, especially in a demanding and competitive conference like the SEC, but it’s something Tennessee is emphasizing for their sophomore quarterback.

During his freshman season, Iamaleava showed the ability to make incredible throws, but he also displayed moments of inconsistency, particularly with his mechanics and timing. His footwork, in particular, was a point of emphasis for the coaches. Proper footwork is essential for any quarterback, as it allows for better accuracy, quicker decision-making, and a more stable throwing base.

While Iamaleava is capable of making all the throws needed to excel in Tennessee’s offense, he occasionally relied too heavily on his arm strength and physical tools, leading to erratic throws or misfires. Developing a consistent throwing motion, particularly in high-pressure situations, is one of the main things Tennessee is asking Iamaleava to focus on in 2025. In particular, coaches want to see him improve his accuracy on intermediate throws and become more consistent with his touch on the ball.

As a quarterback, understanding when to deliver a ball with velocity and when to use more touch is crucial. Iamaleava will need to refine his understanding of this nuance and adjust accordingly based on the type of throw he is making. With further development in these areas, his ability to make both short, quick throws and deep passes with precision will be a major asset for the Tennessee offense.

Enhancing Decision-Making and Reducing Turnovers

Another key area of focus for Iamaleava in 2025 is improving his decision-making. As with any young quarterback, one of the most important aspects of the game is being able to make the right decisions at the right times. This involves reading defenses, recognizing blitzes, knowing when to take a risk, and when to throw the ball away or check down.

While Iamaleava displayed significant improvement throughout his freshman year, there were moments when he held onto the ball too long or made decisions that led to turnovers or missed opportunities. His tendency to force passes into tight coverage or try to extend plays with his legs was an area where coaches saw room for improvement.

In 2025, Tennessee is looking for Iamaleava to develop a greater sense of awareness in the pocket. This includes knowing when to take the checkdown pass, understanding the value of throwing the ball away to avoid negative plays, and learning to manage the game when the situation calls for it. With his athleticism and ability to extend plays, Iamaleava is capable of avoiding sacks and creating opportunities, but the Vols want him to learn how to manage situations more carefully, especially in high-pressure moments.

Reducing turnovers will be a key focus for Iamaleava. In a conference as competitive as the SEC, losing possession of the ball can often be the difference between winning and losing. The coaching staff is likely to work with Iamaleava on improving his decision-making under pressure and making smarter, safer plays with the football.

Taking Command of the Offense: Leadership and Poise

As a sophomore quarterback, one of the biggest expectations for Iamaleava is to take on a leadership role and exhibit poise, both on and off the field. In 2024, while he showed flashes of leadership qualities, the coaches want to see more consistency in this regard. Leadership is critical for a quarterback—particularly in the SEC, where games can quickly swing in either direction and teams often need their quarterback to keep calm under pressure.

While the Vols have experienced coaches in Josh Heupel and his staff, having a quarterback who exudes confidence and command of the offense is crucial for a team’s success. Iamaleava must be able to rally his teammates, handle adversity, and ensure that his offensive line and skill players are in sync. His understanding of Tennessee’s fast-paced offense, his ability to keep control of the huddle, and his overall composure in tough moments will be key factors in the success of the Vols.

In addition, Iamaleava will be asked to develop a deeper connection with his receivers. Chemistry between a quarterback and his wideouts is often what separates good teams from great ones. By building strong relationships with his playmakers, Iamaleava can ensure the Vols offense operates more smoothly in 2025, increasing its ability to make big plays and sustain drives.

Working in Josh Heupel’s System

Josh Heupel’s up-tempo, pass-heavy offensive system is a perfect fit for Iamaleava’s skill set, but it also presents unique challenges. The speed of the offense demands that Iamaleava be decisive and efficient with his decisions. In 2025, the Vols are looking for him to become more familiar with the system and make quicker reads, allowing the offense to maintain its explosive pace while minimizing mistakes.

Heupel’s offense is predicated on spreading the field, utilizing tempo, and creating mismatches through quick, dynamic passing. The Vols expect Iamaleava to continue developing as a quarterback who can make quick decisions while also being able to handle the challenges that come with a high-octane offense. A key area of development will be his ability to read the defense quickly, identify coverage schemes, and adjust his throws accordingly.