BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — After a record-breaking display on Saturday against Chattanooga, the Southeastern Conference office announced Monday that Tennessee redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava was selected as SEC Co-Freshman of the Week.
Iamaleava, making his second career start and first in Neyland Stadium, set a Tennessee school record for passing yards in a half (314) to lead the No. 15 Vols to a 69-3 season-opening victory over the Mocs. The signal caller opened the game 10-of-10 for 159 yards and two touchdowns and finished 22-of-28 for 314 yards with three touchdowns and no picks — all in the first half as UT built a 45-0 lead at the break.
The first-half passing yards broke the previous program record of 313 set by Tyler Bray in the first half vs. Troy on Nov. 3, 2012. Iamaleava’s performance was the fourth 300-yard passing total in a half in Tennessee history.
Iamaleava was the first UT freshman – redshirt or true – to start at quarterback in a season opener since 2004. His 78.6 completion percentage was the sixth-best in the country for Week 1 and the best by any freshman in the nation.
The Long Beach, California, native is Tennessee’s first SEC Freshman of the Week honoree since running back Dylan Sampson was recognized on Nov. 28, 2022. During the Josh Heupel era (2021-present), Tennessee has compiled 31 SEC weekly honors — including four Freshman of the Week awards.
