Game Week 1: On the whistle... Nothing to prove.

Ellie Williamson

Aug 25, 2024

Largely, students don’t have tickets! Thankfully, Danny White and administrators are working overtime to fill supply and demand before the early kickoff on Saturday. That (minor) hassle aside there is an in-state opponent waiting for the Vols and their new ‘state branded smokey uniforms’ in Neyland. 

With the questions of fall practice behind us, it’s all coming together. 

The coaches have taken the media availability and made it clear that there are lots of little pieces still coming together with new faces and new additions to this team, all of which still need game reps. It’s not about the opponent this week in as much as it is about the Tennessee Volunteers putting the recipe together for the first time. 

The first two in the mix for the first time have a California connection that is unique to East Tennessee. 

Nico Iamaleava grew up watching Bru McCoy; now he is going to be making sure the two are making highlights together. 

Iamaleava, the 19-year old quarterback from Long Beach (Cali.), told the media that he has admired McCoy and his game since seeing the now-24-year-old back at Mater Dei in Santa Ana (Cali.) while he was coming up as a prospect–and football fan. 

Last week, meeting with the media, the two California boys shared compliments and stories about being far away from home but close enough now to be neighbors. And more than just football players.

Bru has already had several highlights at UT as he made the catch that set up the field goal score by Chase McGrath to secure the win over Bama in the game heard around the world. That game could easily have been the trigger to a rebirth for this storied football program. Bru, unfortunately, suffered an ankle injury last season which limited him to just 17 catches and only 217 yards.  He immediately began the healing process and said that his  journey was aided by working with former Vol, current 49er QB Josh Dobbs on TPL.

Now that he is back so are the expectations.  He was already named to the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List, part of the team’s leadership council, and a team captain. At 6-foot-3, 230-pounds, the physical target is poised to have a breakthrough, topping his 52-catch, 667-yard season in 2022. Nico was just named to the Beat’s By Dre Elite Class (link to that story), elevating his hype coming into the season. Iamaleava served as the backup quarterback last season and despite limited playing time, the talent was obvious. He ended the campaign completing 28-of-45 passes for 314 yards and two touchdowns, He also showcased his versatility by contributing 71 rushing yards on 20 carries, scoring three touchdowns on the ground.

For the two Cali. kids, the time is now. 

Vols fans continue to enjoy these menu items and follow along each week as we preview with Game Day notes and match ups to savor.