There is no better way for Nico Iamaleava to begin his career with the Tennessee Volunteers than this one.

Joe Milton III, this year’s starter, missed the Citrous Bowl due to his 2024 NFL Draft declaration, but true freshman Iamaleava took centre stage.

Iamaleava, a true freshman quarterback prospect rated as a five-star recruit by Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel, was trusted with the bowl game start against an otherwise excellent Iowa defence. The true freshman performed admirably.

He was Tennessee’s 35-0 victory’s star player.

Iamaleava ran 15 times for 27 yards and three scores, destroying Iowa with his legs. His ability to take off and sprint made him unstoppable in the red zone.

He finished with four touchdowns overall after completing 12 of 19 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown just for good measure.

He was so effective that former Tennessee star quarterback Hendon Hooker took notice of him. That was an incredible first start for a rookie quarterback.

Hooker was a star for the Vols in two seasons, even though he wasn’t Peyton Manning. He ran for 1,050 yards and ten scores on the ground in addition to throwing for 6,060 yards and 58 touchdowns with just five interceptions.

Hooker was fantastic for Tennessee, and he already recognises Iamaleava’s greatness, just like the rest of us do.