SEC QB Rankings: Where Does Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava Stand?
As we look toward the upcoming college football season, one of the most anticipated quarterback battles in the SEC is where Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava ranks.
The Vols’ young signal-caller is coming off a promising season, but how does he stack up against the conference’s top quarterbacks? Let’s break down the returning starters and first-year signal callers in the SEC to see where Iamaleava fits.
Returning Starters
1. DJ Lagway, Florida
2. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
3. Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee
4. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
5. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
6. Taylen Green, Arkansas
7. John Matter, Oklahoma
8. Marcel Reed, Texas A&M
9. Jackson Arnold, Auburn
Analysis of Returning Starters
Among the returning starters in the SEC, there’s a lot of talent to sort through. Let’s begin by examining the strengths and challenges of each quarterback in the group.
DJ Lagway (Florida) and LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina) both had standout seasons in 2024, despite lacking elite wide receiver talent. Both quarterbacks have demonstrated incredible ability to make plays with their legs, keeping defenses on edge with their dual-threat capabilities. Lagway’s big-play ability through the air, and Sellers’ ability to break off long runs, make them a constant threat. However, their respective challenges lie in developing more consistent playmaking from the pocket.
Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee) had a promising campaign last year, showing impressive mobility and an ability to extend plays with his legs. He also proved to be a competitive and physical runner, especially in short-yardage situations.
However, the major aspect of his game that needs significant improvement in 2025 is his deep passing attack. Iamaleava’s arm strength is there, but his consistency with accuracy downfield must improve to elevate Tennessee’s offense to the next level.
Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) has been a consistent performer and one of the more experienced quarterbacks in the conference. His ability to read defenses and make quick, decisive throws has made him one of the top quarterbacks to watch in the SEC.
Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt) and Taylen Green (Arkansas) have yet to make the same level of impact as the other quarterbacks in this group but still possess potential. They’ll need to take the next step in their development to truly compete at the upper echelon of SEC quarterbacks.
John Matter (Oklahoma), Marcel Reed (Texas A&M), and Jackson Arnold (Auburn) are all solid quarterbacks with potential, but they are still somewhat unproven in SEC competition. They will likely need time to adjust and develop into consistent starters.
First-Year Starters
1. Arch Manning, Texas
2. Gunner Stockton, Georgia
3. Ty Simpson, Alabama
4. Austin Simmons, Ole Miss
What to Expect From First-Year Starters
While there’s a lot of talent among the first-year starters in the SEC, it remains to be seen how they’ll adapt to the rigorous demands of starting in a conference as competitive as the SEC. Let’s take a closer look at each of these players:
Arch Manning (Texas), widely considered one of the most highly anticipated quarterbacks in recent years, will make his debut in the SEC with a ton of pressure on his shoulders.
As a Manning, the expectations are high, and with Texas transitioning to the SEC, his performance will be closely scrutinized. Manning has all the tools to succeed, but how quickly he adjusts to the speed and complexity of SEC defenses will be the key to his success.
Gunner Stockton (Georgia) and Ty Simpson (Alabama) both inherit situations where they have big shoes to fill. Both programs are accustomed to high-level play at the quarterback position, and their respective systems should make it easier for them to succeed. Stockton and Simpson are talented enough to lead their teams, but whether they can handle the pressure of being the starter in such high-profile programs is still to be determined.
Austin Simmons (Ole Miss) enters his first year as a starter with a chance to make an immediate impact. Known for his athleticism and playmaking ability, Simmons has the tools to run Ole Miss’s high-paced offense. However, like the others, he’ll have to show that he can handle the pressure of starting in one of the toughest conferences in the country.
Conclusion: Iamaleava’s Future in the SEC
As we head into the 2025 season, Nico Iamaleava is in a unique position. He has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with his ability to extend plays and contribute as a runner. However, his deep passing game remains a key area for improvement. In comparison to other top quarterbacks in the SEC, he might not yet have the polished deep-ball accuracy that some of his peers possess, but with another year of development, Iamaleava has the potential to rise toward the top of the conference.
The competition in the SEC will be fierce, with quarterbacks like DJ Lagway, LaNorris Sellers, and Garrett Nussmeier leading strong offenses.
However, if Iamaleava can improve his downfield passing and refine his decision-making, he could make a strong case as one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC by season’s end. The key will be his growth from a promising young talent to a complete and consistent signal-caller capable of leading Tennessee to a championship-contending season.
Ultimately, 2025 could be a breakout year for Iamaleava, but it will depend on his ability to elevate his game and meet the high standards of SEC quarterback play.
