Nico Iamaleava 2024 Devy Outlook

Hailing from Warren High School in Downey, California, Nico Iamaleava was a five-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class according to the 247Sports rankings.

He was ranked as the number two prospect in the country, behind only Arch Manning. Nico saw limited playing time as a true freshman, throwing for 314 yards and two touchdowns and running for another 71 yards and three more touchdowns.

The majority of his playing time came in Tennessee's 35-0 Citrus Bowl victory over Iowa. In the win, Iamaleava started the game, going 12-19 for 151 yards and a touchdown, while also running for 27 yards and three more scores. He was able to redshirt due to only playing in four regular-season matchups, so he still has four more years of eligibility…but we only expect him to use two of them before he heads off to the NF

Nico Iamaleava as a Player

Tennessee VolunteersPhoto bySteve DiMatteoonUnsplash

Iamaleava can make nearly any play on the football field. Even though he doesn’t possess the absolute strongest arm out there, he has enough arm to make every throw comfortably. His elite vision and height allow him to see everything that happens, so he doesn’t make many mistakes

Not only is he a great passer, but he is also a true dual-threat quarterback. His frame and agility make it difficult for defenders to get a hold of him in the pocket. In the past, I compared him to a much taller Bryce Young due to his elusiveness. At 6’6”, Iamaleava is nearly the prototypical NFL prospect with all of his attribute

Devy Outlook

Heading into his second year in the Josh Heupel offense, Iamaleava has all the tools to become an elite collegiate player and eventual top-five NFL draft selection.

After seeing him play in person last season, I moved him up to number one in my Devy QB rankings. His whippy arm action gives him an elite release. Additionally, he can place the ball nearly anywhere he wants. Even in his limited playing time, Iamaleava has demonstrated great ball placement

According to 247Sports national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins, Iamaleava is a potential top-ten pick, and he comps him to Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herber

"He always had a big arm but can now change speeds, go through progressions and make accurate touch throws down the field look easy. He has exceptional escapability and is just as dangerous outside the pocket as he is throwing in it. He’s always a threat to take off and run for big yards when flushed or on designed running play

He’s a tough kid as well who will stand in and take a shot and when he’s running in the open field, he looks more like a big receiver than a signal caller. He’s a natural leader with a high compete level and a great off the field work ethic. There are zero character concerns with him and he’s a future captain who other players gravitate towards. There is not a throw on the field he can’t make, he’s comfortable throwing off-platform or being creative when he needs to be and combined with his rapidly improving football IQ and toughness, he has a chance to be a very special player at the next level

He is a legitimate contender to be the number one overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. He will likely be competing with the likes of Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, Ole Miss edge rusher Suntarine Perkins, Texas quarterback Arch Manning, and Oregon quarterback Dante Moore for the title of best 2026 prospect.

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Article originally written by Tom Harvey