Greg McElroy Explains Why Tennessee Can Win The National Championship

Former Alabama star and ESPN college football analyst Greg McElroy put rivalry to the side and asserted that Tennessee can reach the national championship if one key player lives up to the hype.

Tennessee was in the College Football Playoff hunt until the bitter end in 2022. They weren't a real national contender in 2023 but were still a good team. While there is a question mark at quarterback in 2024, McElroy believes if starter Nico Iamaleava lives up to the hype, Tennessee will be playing football in January.

"If Nico is capable of playing to the top of the sport at his position, Tennessee is going to be in a great position to win the National Championship," he boldly declared on his show, Always College Football.

But let's be clear: McElroy is setting a pretty high bar for a youngster under center if the Volunteers are to compete for and win the title.

"I think if he's a Heisman finalist, not only is Tennessee in the playoff, but Tennessee is a legitimate national championship contender," McElroy said.

In an age where many of the top quarterbacks are older, some in their fifth or sixth season, McElroy is buying in on the second-year super-talent down in Knoxville.

"It wouldn't shock me if Nico is every bit as advertised," he added.

As stated, if he does perform at or above expectations, Tennessee is in for a very similar season to 2022, per McElroy, which would put them squarely in position for a College Football Playoff berth.

Related: SEC Expected To Implement Major Rule Change For 2024 Season

Related: Carson Beck’s Unexpected Placement in College Football Quarterback Rankings