The Tennessee Volunteers might use a similar strategy as the Washington Huskies, according to a national analyst.
Many are questioning, “Who could 2024 Washington be?” in response to their run. In response to the same query earlier this week, Brad Crawford of 247Sports identified five rosters that may potentially replicate the success the Huskies have had this season. A program that has been preparing for the 2024 and 2025 seasons for a long time, the Tennessee Volunteers were one of his five contenders. Following is Crawford’s analysis of Tennessee’s prospects for 2024; you can read the entire piece here.
Josh Heupel has assembled a strong squad for the Volunteers, who are ranked No. 16 in the country in the Team Talent Composite for the 2023 campaign.”They haven’t, however, performed at the high level required to handle a challenging SEC schedule.
Nico Iamaleava, a former five-star quarterback, is the main reason why that might change in 2024. He led the team to victory over Iowa in the Citrus Bowl, accounting for four touchdowns in his first career start. He was previously referred to as “the chosen one” in Knoxville by Hendon Hooker, the position’s smash last season.
Considering the significance of Hooker to the program and its increased success throughout his stay, that is high praise indeed. Similar to what Penix accomplished at Washington, Iamaleava possesses the kind of brilliance that elevates everyone in his vicinity. Tennessee has a better than average chance of placing inside the top 10 in 2024 and remaining there if he remains healthy thanks to this powerful option quarterback, who is the first Heupel to feature a quarterback.
While the Vols lack Washington’s superior wideout skill surrounding Iamaleava, Bru McCoy’s return offers them a real chain-mover on third down and a leader in the locker room.” Brad Crawford about the state of Tennessee 2024 outlook.