HE could elevate the Vols to one of the best teams in the SEC in 2024.
Even in mid-June, college football feels both distant and imminent. With each passing day, teams like Tennessee football are ramping up efforts in preparation for their opening kickoffs.
A Promising 2024 Season for the Volunteers
The Volunteers are an intriguing team to watch in 2024. Following a stellar 2022 season, where Tennessee ranked No. 1 in the country at one point, the Vols took a step back in 2023 after losing key players like veteran quarterback Hendon Hooker. Despite the challenges, they finished 11-2 in 2022 and entered 2023 with both question marks and hype.
Michigan transfer quarterback Joe Milton struggled to fill Hooker’s shoes, and injuries to key receivers like Bru McCoy further hampered the passing game. Despite this, the Vols’ offense still finished 19th in the country, scoring 53 touchdowns and averaging 448 yards per game, though this was a drop from their No. 1 ranking the previous year.
A 9-4 record with a second straight bowl win was a significant achievement for Tennessee, given their struggles over the past two decades. Can they replicate or improve upon this success in 2024?
Health and Depth in 2024
Staying healthy will be crucial for head coach Josh Heupel’s squad. Injuries to the receiving corps were a major issue last season. McCoy’s return, along with last year’s leading receiver Squirrel White, Oregon transfer Donte Thornton Jr., Tulane transfer Chris Brazzell II, and Notre Dame tight end Holden Staes, bodes well for the Vols.
Momentum from the Citrus Bowl
Tennessee has momentum following a strong finish last season, including a decisive win over Vanderbilt and a Citrus Bowl victory over 20th-ranked Iowa. The standout performance in the Citrus Bowl was particularly promising. With Milton opting out, highly-touted freshman Nico Iamaleava took over quarterback duties and led the Vols to a 35-0 win over Iowa, showcasing his potential.
The Future with Nico Iamaleava
Iamaleava, a consensus five-star recruit and the No. 2 quarterback prospect in the country, showed why Vols fans were eager for him to start. In the Citrus Bowl, he scored four touchdowns and demonstrated his skills with both his arm and legs, finishing with 151 passing yards, 27 rushing yards, and four total touchdowns.
With Iamaleava now the full-time starter, Tennessee’s prospects look bright, especially with the expanded College Football Playoff on the horizon. His talent and leadership at the quarterback position could transform Tennessee football in 2024, making the Vols a formidable force in the SEC.
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