'They might have actually just accounted for the fact that Nico wasn't good' – Former SEC QB hits Nico Iamaleava with major shade
It's been nearly two months since quarterback Nico Iamaleava and the Tennessee Vols parted ways in a highly publicized breakup, but the former five-star recruit is still catching strays from the media. Iamaleava, who transferred to UCLA in April, had what I would consider an extremely successful first season as a college football starting quarterback. […]
It's been nearly two months since quarterback Nico Iamaleava and the Tennessee Vols parted ways in a highly publicized breakup, but the former five-star recruit is still catching strays from the media.
Iamaleava, who transferred to UCLA in April, had what I would consider an extremely successful first season as a college football starting quarterback. His numbers weren't gaudy, but he led the Vols to wins against Oklahoma, Florida, and Alabama while helping the program make its first ever College Football Playoff appearance. It wasn't a perfect season for Iamaleava, but it was certainly much better than what the majority of college football quarterbacks enjoyed last season.
The narrative surrounding Iamaleava's departure from Tennessee (which has far too many layers to get into here), however, has led to the California native receiving a bizarre amount of criticism for his performance as a 20-year-old last season.
Former Alabama quarterback turned analyst Greg McElroy is the latest to take a shot at Iamaleava.
McElroy, who hosts McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning, was surprised to learn this week that Tennessee is ranked No. 10 in ESPN's updated FPI (football power index) rankings (based on championship odds).
The former Alabama quarterback made a quip about Iamaleava upon learning that the FPI rankings had been updated since Nico's departure from Tennessee.
"They might have actually just accounted for the fact that Nico wasn't good," said McElroy.
McElroy, though, followed up his jab by pointing out that he doesn't think Tennessee is a top 10 football team, noting that he thinks the Vols are an eight win team.
Regardless of what you think of Iamaleava, the shot that McElroy took is a bit rich considering his own playing career.
McElroy led Alabama to a national championship as a junior in 2009, but his stats were actually quite similar to Iamaleava's stats in 2024.
In 2024, Iamaleava passed for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also rushed for 358 yards and three touchdowns.
In 2009, McElroy passed for 2,508 yards, 17 touchdowns, and four interceptions. He rushed for 83 yards and one touchdown.
Tennessee's defense received much of the credit for the Vols' success in 2024. UT had the No. 13 scoring offense in the nation and the No. 7 scoring defense.
In 2009, Alabama had the No. 22 scoring offense and the No. 2 scoring defense.
I'm not trying to take anything away from McElroy, he's a national champion and I've learned a ton about the sport by listening to his unique insight over the years. But come on, man. That was a cheap shot at Nico.
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