National media outlet lists Tennessee Vols among teams they’re ‘most excited’ to watch in 2024

Tennessee is another SEC program that got an early look at its future starting quarterback this postseason. Former five-star Nico Iamaleava accounted for four total touchdowns for the Volunteers in the Citrus Bowl, completing 12 of 19 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown while adding 27 yards and three additional scores on 15 carries. Whether the defense remains in the top-tier of the SEC is still a key question.

Tennessee should be one of the most intriguing teems in the nation with Nico Iamaleava, the No. 1 player in the 2023 recruiting class, set to start at quarterback next fall. 

Iamaleava will have plenty of weapons on offense with the Vols returning wide receiver Bru McCoy, running back Dylan Sampson, and wide receiver Squirrel White among others. They also added wide receiver Chris Brazzell and tight end Holden Staes as transfers.

If the defense takes a step forward in 2024 — and that’s not out of the question since the Vols have one of the best defensive players in the nation in edge rusher James Pearce on the roster — then a College Football Playoff appearance will be very much in play for Tennessee.