Expectations remain high for Tennessee's offense in 2024.

After taking a step back last season, the Vols are expected to recapture at least some of the explosiveness they showed under head coach Josh Heupel two years ago.

Nico Iamaleava is a big reason why.

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The Tennessee redshirt freshman quarterback, who was a highly touted five-star prospect before he arrived on campus more than a year ago, is entering his first season as the Vols' unquestioned starter and leader on offense.

Iamaleava appeared in just four games as a freshman, but impressed in his first career start in Tennessee's 35-0 thumping of Iowa in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando on New Year's Day, tossing for 151 yards and a touchdown on 12-of-19 passing , while rushing for three more scores.

Pro Football Focus was impressed, too. The outlet recently listed Iamaleava among 10 players that could potentially have breakout seasons.

According to PFF's grading system, Iamaleava's bowl game outing earned him an 85.0 grade in the passing game and a 66.7 grade running the ball.

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"You’ll start hearing Iamaleava's name a lot over the next few months," PFF's Mike Kaiser wrote. "The redshirt freshman was the No. 2 overall recruit in the 2023 class and he has all the potential in the world. At 6-foot-6, he has a big arm and legit rushing ability.

"We saw a glimpse of the Nico era in Tennessee's bowl game against Iowa, and it was arguably the best the Vols offense looked all season despite playing against one of the nation’s top defenses. In that game, Iamaleava recorded three touchdowns and two big-time throws to earn an 85.0 passing grade."

Iamaleava seemingly has all of the tools around him for success.

Tennessee returns much of its contributors on the offense line, including Cooper Mays, Javontez Spraggins and John Campbell Jr. The Vols further bolstered the front with the addition of Lance Heard from the transfer portal in the spring.

The wide receiving corps is expected to improve, too. Bru McCoy returns after missing much of last season with injury, while Dont'e Thornton Jr. and Squirrel White offer even more experience. Tulane transfer Chris Brazzell II impressed in the spring.

Tennessee is set to open its season against Chattanooga on Aug. 31 at Neyland Stadium.

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