The Tennessee Volunteers concluded their fourth season under head coach Josh Heupel, wrapping up the 2024 campaign with an impressive 10-3 record overall, including a 6-2 mark in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play. The Vols were seeded ninth in the College Football Playoff, underscoring their continued resurgence under Heupel’s leadership.
Nico Iamaleava’s Debut Season as Starting Quarterback
Redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava took the reins as Tennessee’s starting signal-caller in 2024, delivering a solid first season. Over the course of the year, Iamaleava completed 213 of his 334 passing attempts, amassing 2,616 yards through the air. He threw for 19 touchdowns against just five interceptions, demonstrating poise and efficiency in leading the Vols’ offense. Despite these successes, he faced significant pressure, being sacked 28 times.
Iamaleava also showcased his dual-threat abilities, contributing on the ground with 109 rushing attempts for 358 yards and three touchdowns. His mobility added a valuable dimension to Tennessee’s offense, helping the team overcome challenges throughout the season.
Tennessee’s Sack Statistics Since 2021
Following the conclusion of the 2024 season, a breakdown of sacks allowed over the past four seasons highlights both progress and areas for improvement in Tennessee’s offensive line performance. The statistics, provided by ESPN, reflect the number of times Vols quarterbacks have been sacked since Heupel took over as head coach:
2024 Season (30 Total Sacks Allowed):
- Nico Iamaleava: 28
- Jake Merklinger: 2
2023 Season (24 Total Sacks Allowed):
- Joe Milton III: 16
- Nico Iamaleava: 7
- Gaston Moore: 1
2022 Season (28 Total Sacks Allowed):
- Hendon Hooker: 23
- Joe Milton III: 4
- Tayven Jackson: 1
2021 Season (44 Total Sacks Allowed):
- Hendon Hooker: 36
- Joe Milton III: 7
- Harrison Bailey: 1
Trends in Pass Protection
Tennessee’s sack totals over the past four years reveal a noticeable trend of improvement in pass protection. In 2021, the Vols allowed a staggering 44 sacks, with Hendon Hooker accounting for 36 of them. However, subsequent seasons showed steady progress, with sack numbers dropping to 28 in 2022 and 24 in 2023. In 2024, the number rose slightly to 30, largely due to Iamaleava’s extended time as the starter and his exposure to opposing defenses.
These figures highlight the offensive line’s gradual development, though the team still faced challenges in keeping their quarterbacks protected. Addressing these issues will be a key focus for Heupel and his coaching staff heading into the 2025 season.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Season
Tennessee is set to embark on its fifth year under Heupel’s guidance, aiming to build on the momentum generated in 2024. The Vols’ upcoming campaign will kick off with a high-profile matchup against Syracuse on Aug. 30, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. This neutral-site opener presents an opportunity for Tennessee to make an early statement against a quality opponent.
The Vols’ first home game of the season is scheduled for Sept. 6, 2025, when they host East Tennessee State at Neyland Stadium. The home opener will mark the beginning of a slate of games that could define Tennessee’s trajectory in the new season.
Key Areas of Focus for 2025
As the Vols prepare for another competitive year, several priorities stand out:
1. Improving Pass Protection
Despite the strides made in recent seasons, Tennessee’s offensive line must continue to develop in order to provide better protection for Iamaleava. The young quarterback’s growth and success depend heavily on his ability to operate from a clean pocket and avoid unnecessary hits.
2. Nico Iamaleava’s Progression
Iamaleava’s debut season showed great promise, but his development as a quarterback will be crucial for Tennessee’s success moving forward. Continued work on decision-making, accuracy, and pocket awareness will help him unlock his full potential as a leader on offense.
3. Maintaining Offensive Balance
Tennessee’s offense has thrived under Heupel due to its ability to strike a balance between the passing and running games. Ensuring that both aspects remain effective will keep opposing defenses on their heels and open up opportunities for big plays.
4. Defensive Improvements
While much of the attention is often on Tennessee’s high-powered offense, the defense’s performance will be equally important. Continued progress in areas such as pass rush, tackling, and secondary coverage could make a significant difference in close games.
Building on Success
Josh Heupel’s tenure at Tennessee has been marked by a steady climb back to national prominence. The Vols’ performance in 2024, highlighted by a strong regular season and a top-10 playoff seeding, reflects the progress the program has made under his leadership. However, the journey is far from over, and the 2025 season represents another opportunity to elevate Tennessee’s standing in college football.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Vols aim to capitalize on their recent successes and address areas of improvement. With a talented roster and a proven coaching staff, Tennessee is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory in the coming year.
