Nico Iamaleava’s Backup: The Future of Tennessee Football’s Quarterback Position
Tennessee football has been in the spotlight recently, largely due to the arrival of highly touted quarterback Nico Iamaleava. A five-star recruit from Long Beach, California, Iamaleava is widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks to come out of the 2023 class, bringing a wave of excitement to Knoxville. With such high expectations for Iamaleava, fans and analysts alike are curious about the rest of the quarterback room at Tennessee, especially who will be his backup.
While Iamaleava has all the tools to be Tennessee’s starting quarterback for the foreseeable future, the importance of the backup quarterback cannot be overstated. The backup quarterback position is crucial for several reasons: it serves as an insurance policy in case of injury, provides a fresh face with a different skill set to surprise opponents in specific situations, and can be a developmental position for future success. But who will be in that critical backup role?
In this article, we’ll explore who could step in as Nico Iamaleava’s backup, looking at the current quarterbacks on the roster, the potential of each, and what that might mean for the future of Tennessee football.
Current Tennessee Quarterback Room
Before diving into the potential backups, it’s important to take a quick look at the quarterbacks currently in Tennessee’s quarterback room. The depth chart can change rapidly due to injuries, performance in practice, and coaching decisions, but as of the 2025 season, the following quarterbacks are expected to be part of the competition for the backup role.
1. Nico Iamaleava (Starting Quarterback)
Let’s start with Nico Iamaleava, the quarterback most people are eager to see lead Tennessee’s offense. With a strong arm, elite athleticism, and impressive poise in the pocket, Iamaleava brings a skill set that is reminiscent of some of the best quarterbacks in college football. Standing at 6’5” and weighing around 200 pounds, he has the size to succeed at the next level, with mobility and the ability to make throws from any platform on the field.
Iamaleava is expected to be the starting quarterback for Tennessee in 2025, and he’s widely regarded as the future of the program. However, with such high expectations, it’s essential for Tennessee to have a capable backup who can step in if needed.
2. Joe Milton (Senior Quarterback)
Joe Milton, a 6’5”, 240-pound quarterback, has been at Tennessee for several years, transferring in from Michigan in 2021. Milton has experience in both starting and backup roles during his time at Tennessee and has shown flashes of his impressive arm strength, as well as some inconsistency with his accuracy.
Milton played a significant role in 2022 when he stepped in for an injured Hendon Hooker in Tennessee’s victory over Vanderbilt. He also got the nod for the Citrus Bowl in 2023, where he displayed his powerful arm and ability to make deep throws down the field. However, Milton’s accuracy and decision-making have been questioned throughout his career, especially in high-pressure situations.
While Joe Milton’s future beyond college might be uncertain, he could serve as a valuable backup for Nico Iamaleava in 2025. His experience in big games, combined with his physical tools, makes him a solid backup option. His presence also gives the coaching staff a security blanket in case Iamaleava needs to be spelled for a series or more.
3. Tayven Jackson (Sophomore Quarterback)
Tayven Jackson is another player to keep an eye on. A dual-threat quarterback who was a four-star recruit in the 2022 class, Jackson joined Tennessee in 2022 but had limited playing time in his first year. He has the mobility to extend plays with his legs and possesses a solid arm, though he still needs to improve his consistency in the passing game.
Jackson’s ability to run the football could give him a leg up in competition for the backup role, particularly if the coaching staff wants to add a different element to the offense in specific situations. His development in 2023 and 2024 could determine how ready he is to step into the backup role for 2025.
With his physical tools and ability to develop under the tutelage of Tennessee’s coaching staff, Jackson could provide solid competition to Milton for the backup role. He brings a different skill set, which may be appealing if Tennessee wants a more mobile option behind Iamaleava, especially in certain game situations.
4. Ricky Gibson (Freshman Quarterback)
As of now, Ricky Gibson is a highly touted freshman who could potentially enter the quarterback competition at Tennessee in 2025. Although Gibson will be a true freshman in 2025, his potential as a dual-threat quarterback with impressive arm strength could allow him to push for the backup role.
It’s unlikely that a true freshman would immediately supplant experienced quarterbacks like Milton or Jackson for the backup role, but Gibson’s arrival could still create interesting dynamics in the quarterback room. If he proves to be a quick learner, Gibson could become a developmental option and a future piece of Tennessee’s long-term plans at quarterback.
What Makes a Good Backup Quarterback?
Before determining who could be the best backup for Nico Iamaleava, it’s essential to understand what makes a good backup quarterback. While they may not start the majority of games, a backup quarterback needs to bring a few key characteristics to the table:
1. Experience
Having a quarterback with game experience is crucial for a backup. In the event that the starter gets injured or needs rest, a backup quarterback with experience in high-pressure situations can step in and keep the team competitive.
2. Versatility
The backup quarterback should be able to contribute in a variety of ways. Whether it’s executing specific game plans or offering a different style of play, versatility is important. A backup who is capable of running the football or providing a deep ball threat adds another layer to the offense.
3. Mental Toughness
Backup quarterbacks need to be mentally strong. They often have to step into the game without the same level of preparation as the starting quarterback. This requires a strong mentality, the ability to make quick decisions, and the confidence to lead the offense.
4. Ability to Develop
While the backup quarterback may not see a lot of playing time, they still need to improve and develop their skills. This ensures that they can step in and be effective if the starter is unavailable. A backup with high upside gives the coaching staff flexibility in developing a long-term solution.
Who is the Best Option for Backup?
Looking at Tennessee’s current quarterback depth chart, several factors come into play when considering who would be the best backup for Nico Iamaleava. Let’s break it down:
Joe Milton’s Experience
Milton’s experience in big games, combined with his physical tools, makes him the most likely candidate to serve as the backup quarterback. While he has had moments of inconsistency, his arm strength and athleticism provide Tennessee with a solid insurance policy in case Iamaleava is unavailable. His ability to step into games with limited preparation makes him a reliable option.
Tayven Jackson’s Upside
Tayven Jackson offers upside and mobility. While he lacks the experience Milton has, his dual-threat capabilities could add a dynamic element to Tennessee’s offense. If Jackson continues to develop and show progress in practice, he could challenge Milton for the backup spot. If the coaching staff values a more mobile quarterback as the backup, Jackson could earn that role.
Ricky Gibson’s Future Potential
Though a freshman, Ricky Gibson represents the future of Tennessee football. His recruitment has already caused a stir, and if he develops quickly, he could be an option down the road. However, as a freshman, Gibson may be a couple of years away from challenging for significant playing time unless there are injuries or a change in the depth chart.
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