Who Will Backup Nico Iamaleava? Analyzing Tennessee’s Quarterback Depth for the 2025 Season

Nico Iamaleava has quickly emerged as one of the most promising young quarterbacks in college football. With his arrival in 2023 as one of the highest-rated recruits in the nation, Iamaleava has generated a significant amount of excitement surrounding Tennessee’s future. As Tennessee’s offense continues to be an electrifying force in the SEC, much of the focus has been on Iamaleava’s development and his ability to lead the Volunteers to success in the coming seasons.

However, as with any college football team, it is crucial for Tennessee to establish depth behind their starting quarterback. While Iamaleava has all the potential to become a star, the nature of the game and the rigorous SEC schedule means that backup quarterbacks will need to be ready to step in if needed. Injuries, game situations, and other unforeseen circumstances make it essential to have a competent and capable backup. In this article, we will examine the potential candidates who could serve as Iamaleava’s backup in 2025 and analyze the quarterback depth at Tennessee heading into the future.

The Importance of a Strong Backup Quarterback

In college football, the starting quarterback is often the face of the team. They are the player most associated with the success or failure of an offense. However, the backup quarterback is just as important. A good backup quarterback can provide a team with stability and confidence, knowing that they have a reliable player capable of leading the offense if the starter goes down. Even in the modern era, where many teams are inclined to rely on one primary quarterback, having a backup who can step in and perform is essential.

For Tennessee, the role of backup quarterback is especially crucial given the high-octane nature of their offense. Under head coach Josh Heupel, the Volunteers have embraced a fast-paced, pass-heavy attack that demands a quarterback with a strong arm, quick decision-making, and the ability to make plays on the move. The system has proven successful, but it also places a lot of pressure on the quarterback. If Nico Iamaleava were to go down or require rest, Tennessee needs a backup who can keep the offense humming without missing a beat.

Nico Iamaleava: The Star of the Future

Before diving into the backup candidates, it’s important to understand why Nico Iamaleava is the player that Tennessee will be building around. Iamaleava is widely regarded as one of the most talented quarterbacks to ever commit to Tennessee. Standing at 6’5” and possessing a strong arm, he has all the physical attributes that make him a prototypical SEC quarterback. His ability to make throws from any platform and his impressive mobility have already made him a household name in college football circles.

But it’s not just his physical skills that have people excited. Iamaleava has a high football IQ, is a natural leader, and has already proven he can perform under pressure, as evidenced by his success in high school. His versatility allows him to adapt to the fast-paced system Heupel runs, and his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions makes him the ideal fit for Tennessee’s offense. As of 2025, Iamaleava is expected to be the starter for Tennessee, and much of the team’s success will be tied to his development.

That said, Tennessee must ensure that they have a solid backup quarterback ready to step in and take over if necessary. With the unique demands of Heupel’s system and the physicality of SEC football, Iamaleava’s backup must be prepared for any situation.

Who Will Backup Nico Iamaleava? A Look at the Candidates

As of 2025, Tennessee has a few potential candidates to serve as the backup quarterback to Nico Iamaleava. Let’s take a look at these players and evaluate their potential to contribute.

1. Tayven Jackson (Redshirt Freshman)

Tayven Jackson is one of the most intriguing candidates to back up Iamaleava in 2025. Jackson, a 6’5” quarterback from Indiana, was a 4-star recruit in the 2023 recruiting class. Known for his strong arm and athleticism, Jackson brings a lot to the table in terms of physical tools. He has been on the roster for a year and has already gained valuable experience in Tennessee’s system.

Jackson’s size and arm strength are his most obvious assets. He is capable of making deep throws and has shown the ability to stretch the field with his passing. He also has solid mobility, which is important in Heupel’s system, as the offense often requires quarterbacks to make quick decisions and extend plays with their legs.

While Jackson is still developing and may not yet be as polished as Iamaleava, he has the potential to step in and keep Tennessee’s offense running smoothly. His familiarity with the system and ability to execute the fast-paced, no-huddle attack make him a viable backup option. Jackson’s arm strength and ability to make plays downfield could be particularly valuable if Tennessee needs to maintain their deep-passing game without missing a beat.

2. Nico Iamaleava’s Backup in 2024: Joe Milton III (Graduate Transfer)

As of the 2024 season, Joe Milton III is expected to be the backup to Nico Iamaleava. Milton, a veteran quarterback who transferred to Tennessee in 2021, has experience as a starting quarterback, having played for both Michigan and Tennessee. Known for his immense arm strength and physicality, Milton provides a unique skill set that can make him an effective backup option for the Volunteers.

Milton’s physical traits are his biggest selling point. At 6’5” and possessing one of the strongest arms in college football, he can make throws that few quarterbacks in the country are capable of. However, Milton has also been a bit inconsistent, with his decision-making and accuracy at times leaving something to be desired. Despite his raw talent, he has struggled with turnovers and has not been able to consistently produce at a high level. That said, his experience and ability to make big throws give Tennessee some comfort in the event that Iamaleava needs to miss time.

Given his physical gifts and his familiarity with Heupel’s offense, Milton is a solid option to back up Iamaleava in 2025. While he may not possess the same level of refinement as Iamaleava, he could keep Tennessee competitive in the event that the starting quarterback is unavailable.

3. Key Lawrence (Freshman)

Another name to watch for in the 2025 season is Key Lawrence, a talented freshman quarterback who enrolled early at Tennessee. Lawrence, a 4-star recruit from Georgia, possesses the skills to eventually challenge for a spot in the rotation. At 6’4” and with solid mobility, Lawrence has the physical tools to run Tennessee’s high-speed offense. His natural ability to make plays with his legs and arm make him an intriguing option for the backup role.

While Lawrence may not be ready to start right away, his athleticism and ability to learn quickly could see him earn playing time early in his college career. It’s not uncommon for freshman quarterbacks to play in relief of the starter, especially in a high-scoring, fast-paced offense like the one at Tennessee. If Lawrence shows significant growth during his first year on campus, he could eventually become the primary backup to Iamaleava.

4. Other Potential Candidates: Walk-Ons and Depth Players

In addition to the scholarship quarterbacks, Tennessee may also have walk-on players or other depth chart quarterbacks who could be called upon in an emergency. While it’s unlikely that these players will see significant playing time unless absolutely necessary, they could provide depth and support in case of injury or other unforeseen circumstances.

Tennessee has been known for developing walk-on players into key contributors, and while the backup quarterback role is typically reserved for scholarship players, it’s always possible that a walk-on could emerge as a capable option in the event of an injury to Iamaleava or other quarterbacks ahead of them on the depth chart.

The Role of Backup Quarterbacks in Heupel’s System

It’s worth noting that Tennessee’s offensive system places a premium on fast decision-making, quick throws, and a strong ability to read defenses. Heupel’s high-tempo, spread offense requires quarterbacks to process information rapidly and execute plays without hesitation. This makes it critical that Tennessee’s backup quarterback not only has the physical tools to perform at the highest level but also the mental acuity to operate efficiently in the system.

While Iamaleava’s skill set fits perfectly with this system, any backup quarterback will need to be ready to step in and contribute without missing a beat. That’s why familiarity with the offense, leadership qualities, and the ability to execute under pressure will be crucial for whoever serves as the backup in 2025.

As the 2025 season approaches, the question of who will back up Nico Iamaleava at quarterback is an important one for Tennessee. While Iamaleava is expected to be the starter, the backup quarterback will need to be prepared to step into a high-pressure role if called upon. Tayven Jackson, Joe Milton III, and Key Lawrence are all strong candidates to serve as the backup in 2025, each with their own strengths and potential contributions. Tennessee’s success in the upcoming seasons will depend on the development of Iamaleava and the readiness of his backup to step in and continue the high-flying offense that Josh Heupel has made famous.

As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see which quarterback emerges as the most reliable backup for Iamaleava and how they will contribute to Tennessee’s quest for an SEC title and potential playoff berth. The quarterback depth at Tennessee is certainly an area to watch as the Volunteers continue to build toward their bright future.