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

As the 2024 college football season rapidly approaches, one player drawing significant attention in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) is Nico Iamaleava, the talented quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers. The 6’6” freshman from Long Beach, California, has generated waves of excitement in Knoxville, where his potential as a future star of the SEC has the fanbase buzzing. His arrival in the SEC has many asking: Where does Iamaleava stand among the top quarterbacks in the conference, and what can we expect from him in 2024?

To answer this question, we need to dive into the context of the SEC, arguably the toughest football conference in college football. The SEC has long been known for producing elite quarterbacks, from Joe Burrow (LSU) and Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama) to Bryce Young (Alabama) and Stetson Bennett (Georgia). With the 2024 season on the horizon, many of the top quarterbacks in the SEC return for another run, including some established stars and promising newcomers. In this article, we will examine Nico Iamaleava’s standing in relation to other SEC quarterbacks and evaluate his potential trajectory in this elite conference.

Nico Iamaleava’s Background and Skillset

Before we compare Iamaleava to the other quarterbacks in the SEC, it’s important to understand what makes him a highly ranked prospect.

Iamaleava was a five-star recruit coming out of high school and was considered one of the top quarterbacks in the country. He committed to Tennessee in 2023, joining a program that already had a potent offense led by the dynamic play-calling of head coach Josh Heupel. Known for his rocket arm, athleticism, and impressive poise in the pocket, Iamaleava immediately garnered comparisons to some of the most talented quarterbacks in college football.

At Long Beach Polytechnic High School, Iamaleava was a dual-threat quarterback, showcasing his ability to extend plays with his legs and his powerful arm. He threw for over 8,000 yards and 90+ touchdowns during his high school career, cementing himself as one of the premier quarterbacks in the nation. His physical attributes — size, speed, and arm strength — immediately made him a standout recruit. He possesses the rare combination of an elite deep ball and accuracy on all areas of the field.

His skills not only made him a highly sought-after recruit but also positioned him as the future leader of the Tennessee offense. Iamaleava’s ability to make every throw required at the collegiate level, combined with his athleticism, makes him a perfect fit for Tennessee’s up-tempo, high-scoring offense.

However, despite his promise and the hype surrounding his recruitment, it’s crucial to remember that Iamaleava will be stepping into a highly competitive SEC environment. The quarterback position in this conference is consistently filled with top-tier talent, and the competition for supremacy is fierce.

Top SEC Quarterbacks Heading into 2024

As Iamaleava looks to make his mark on the SEC, he will face stiff competition from some of the top quarterbacks in college football. Let’s take a closer look at the most prominent quarterbacks in the SEC heading into the 2024 season and where Iamaleava stands in comparison.

1. Jaden Daniels (LSU)

Jaden Daniels is arguably the top quarterback in the SEC heading into 2024. The LSU Tigers signal-caller enjoyed a remarkable 2023 season under head coach Brian Kelly, leading LSU to the SEC Championship Game and an appearance in the College Football Playoff (CFP). Daniels, a dual-threat quarterback, was an electric presence for the Tigers, amassing over 4,000 total yards and accounting for more than 40 touchdowns.

Daniels’ ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His deep ball accuracy, paired with his explosive mobility, allowed LSU to thrive in a variety of offensive schemes. Given his experience and proven track record, Daniels is widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the country, let alone the SEC.

In comparison to Iamaleava, Daniels’ experience and success make him a clear favorite in the SEC heading into 2024. While Iamaleava’s potential is through the roof, Daniels is already an established star and a proven playmaker in a tough conference.

2. Bryce Young (Alabama)

Although Bryce Young departed for the NFL after a stellar career at Alabama, his shadow still looms large over the SEC quarterback rankings. The 2024 Alabama offense will be looking for a new leader to take the reins, and Jalen Milroe is likely to fill that role.

Milroe, a dual-threat quarterback with an impressive skill set, took over as Alabama’s starting quarterback in 2023 and showed flashes of brilliance. He led Alabama to a 2023 Sugar Bowl victory and demonstrated the ability to stretch the field with his arm and his legs. With a powerful arm and significant athleticism, Milroe is poised to carry the torch as the next Alabama quarterback.

In terms of experience and resume, Milroe may not be as proven as Iamaleava, but he does bring an explosive combination of athleticism and arm strength. Iamaleava may not have the same level of experience as Milroe, but his physical tools arguably give him an edge in the long run, especially in Heupel’s high-flying offense.

3. Will Rogers (Mississippi State)

Mississippi State’s Will Rogers has been a steady presence in the SEC at quarterback over the past few seasons. Known for his accuracy and decision-making, Rogers has been a consistent performer for the Bulldogs, accumulating impressive numbers throughout his college career.

While Rogers may not possess the raw athleticism of some other SEC quarterbacks, his intelligence and leadership make him a strong contender. His ability to operate within Mississippi State’s Air Raid offense has been crucial for their offensive success, and he has shown that he can handle high-pressure situations with poise.

Rogers represents the type of quarterback that Iamaleava could become with time. Though he may not have the same flash as some other SEC quarterbacks, Rogers’ ability to execute the offense and manage games effectively will make him a tough competitor for Iamaleava, especially early in their respective careers.

4. Carson Beck (Georgia)

With Stetson Bennett now gone, Georgia is looking for its next quarterback to continue its dominant run under head coach Kirby Smart. That next quarterback is likely to be Carson Beck, a highly touted prospect who has spent several years behind Bennett, learning the ropes and waiting for his opportunity.

Beck has shown plenty of promise in limited action, and as Georgia looks to stay at the top of the college football world, he will be a key figure. Beck possesses a strong arm and good accuracy, and he has been learning from one of the best coaching staffs in the country. His transition to the starting role could be seamless, but he will face significant pressure to keep Georgia among the elite teams in college football.

While Beck has much to prove as a starter, his pedigree and the success of the Georgia program give him an edge over Iamaleava, who will be stepping into a starting role for the first time. However, Iamaleava’s raw talent and ability to develop under Heupel’s system make him a threat to Beck as the season unfolds.

5. Spencer Rattler (South Carolina)

Spencer Rattler, once considered one of the top quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft class, has found a home at South Carolina and is set for a breakout 2024 season. After transferring from Oklahoma, Rattler showed flashes of his former top-tier potential, leading South Carolina to several big wins, including a signature victory over Tennessee in 2023.

Rattler has always had the physical tools — a strong arm, good mobility, and elite-level accuracy — but consistency has been a problem throughout his career. If Rattler can put it all together in 2024, he has the potential to challenge for one of the top spots in the SEC quarterback rankings.

For Iamaleava, Rattler represents the type of quarterback who has the tools but has yet to put it all together. Iamaleava’s ceiling is undoubtedly higher than Rattler’s, but South Carolina’s veteran quarterback will have a slight edge in terms of experience and ability to handle SEC defenses.

Where Does Nico Iamaleava Fit Into the SEC QB Rankings?

When you look at the SEC quarterbacks heading into 2024, Nico Iamaleava stands somewhere between the middle and upper tier of quarterbacks in the conference. While he lacks the experience of established stars like Jaden Daniels, Will Rogers, or Carson Beck, Iamaleava’s immense talent places him among the conference’s most promising quarterbacks.

If Iamaleava can acclimate to the speed and complexity of SEC defenses, he has the potential to rise quickly through the ranks. His combination of arm strength, athleticism, and poise in the pocket make him a player that could become a star in the conference, potentially leading Tennessee back to the top of the SEC.

While Daniels and Milroe may enter the season as the top quarterbacks in the conference based on their proven success, Iamaleava’s physical gifts and potential make him a player who could be ranked in the top 5-7 SEC quarterbacks by the end of the 2024 season, with the ability to move up if he performs well in his first year as the starter.