The Tennessee Volunteers rolled over the Florida Gators 23-17 last Saturday, and Volvs quarterback Nico Iamaleava is basking in the spotlight. His performance against Florida, though not spectacular, has further solidified his status as a rising star. Iamaleava has been turning heads since joining the Tennessee team, impressing fans with his athleticism and potential. Coming from an elite athletic family, it’s no surprise that he’s making waves in the college football world.

Well, his older brother, Matt, excelled in high school volleyball. Conversely, his younger brother Madden is a fantastic prep quarterback who committed to UCLA this year, and his sister Nicaylah plays volleyball at Cypress College. Hence, sports seem to be in his genes. The son of Nicholaus Sr. and Marleinna, Nico, is a Long Beach, California native. 

Long Beach is a seaside city in southeast Los Angeles County, Long Beach is a seaside city in southeast Los Angeles County, and thus Nico Iamaleava’s Polynesian roots run deep. Meanwhile, his Samoan heritage has shaped his character, instilling in him a strong work ethic and discipline. As his father, Nicholaus Sr., puts it, “We’re warriors. That’s where [the toughness] is from. And it shows.”

This warrior spirit is evident in Nico’s playing style and his unwavering determination. That’s hardly shocking, though, considering how much of an Iamaleava enthusiast Nick Saban was. Is his popularity solely due to his performance? 

Is Nico Iamaleava the best QB in CFB?

This young man holds a QBR of 74.0 percent! Additionally, Iamaleava has seven touchdowns on 1,217 yards from completion of 65% of his passes, with just three interceptions. Moreover, David Pollack, an analyst, claimed, “I think we’re going to see down the road; I think that’s what’s scary. I pubbed up Nico as much as anybody, and watching his Iowa game and watching his first game, I’m like this dude is sensational. He’s Heisman Trophy type good.”

However, the quarterback has consistently given great performances since 2021. Remarkably, he completed the season with 2,244 throwing yards and 33 touchdowns. Then, in 2022, he showed off his brilliance in his first start of the season with the Vols, completing 12 passes for 12 touchdowns. Nico won the 2024 “Most Valuable Player” award due to his incredible performance. Above all, he won the Polynesian Bowl offensive MVP award.

Despite his tremendous success, Nick Saban offered a suggestion to the star QB. He was urged by Saban to “distribute the ball and make the right choices and decisions to get the ball to the right guys at the right time.” Is he living up to the GOAT’s advice this season? Well, his team’s 5-1 record suggests he’s on the right track.