National media outlet makes strong statement about Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava ahead of 2024 season

247Sports made quite a statement about Tennessee Vols quarterback Nico Iamaleava this week. 

They think Iamaleava has the highest ceiling among college football's 2024 breakout candidates. 

"The 6-foot-6, 206-pounder is the quarterback with the most upside in all of college football," wrote 247Sports' Clint Brewster. 

"He's poised for a massive breakout as a redshirt-freshman starter in 2024. Iamaleava has a freaky frame and possesses exciting downfield passing ability," added Brewster. "In Josh Heupel's offense, Iamaleava's potential is winning the Heisman Trophy and becoming the NFL Draft's No. 1 overall pick."

While some might think that's a bit too much hype for Iamaleava, it's worth remembering that he was rated by On3 as the No. 1 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class. This is the kind of hype that the top overall player in a recruiting class should receive. 

Iamaleava is the first quarterback that Josh Heupel has handpicked to run his offense at Tennessee. The sky is the limit for what the Vols can accomplish offensively in 2024. It might take Iamaleava a start or two in 2024 before he truly finds his footing. But once he does, the rest of the SEC better watch out -- the Vols will be a handful in conference play.