The morning of April 12, 2025, Tennessee football received word that it would be short on a quarterback for the upcoming season.
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Nico Iamaleava and head coach Josh Heupel parted ways after a day-long saga of questions surrounding the former five-star’s future with Tennessee.
Tennessee’s spring Orange and White game took place the same day as Iamaleava’s departure. The absence of last season’s starting quarterback created a handful of questions entering the spring window.
Here are three takeaways from the Orange and White game.
Questions surrounding the quarterback
Friday was the last day of practice in spring ball before the Orange and White game kicked off on Saturday.
“We found out same time everyone else did,” Tennessee quarterback Jake Merklinger said. “But you know, I don’t think it changed either way we thought we were going to practice on Friday.”
While Iamaleava was absent, the mindset never wavered for the team.
Merklinger and George MacIntyre were the two quarterbacks who took snaps on Saturday. MacIntyre shined despite being a true freshman, while he posted a throwing line of 12-for-16, 124 yards passing and three touchdowns.
An important note was also MacIntyre’s ability to extend the play within and outside the pocket. His legs were moving quite a bit on Saturday, and while gameday may not feature as many quarterback runs, the versatility adds to MacIntyre’s value.
As the other quarterback on the field, Merklinger finished 6-for-14 passing, with 82 yards in the air. He also posted an interception compared to one touchdown.
“I thought they did a really good job today for the most part,” Heupel said. “Obviously Merk had the one pick on the double move where the safety’s a player in the middle of the field, but for the most part they handled the operation pretty well. There was a couple checks that we can clean up, just some of the operations side of it and the ultimate check.
“But they moved the football. They made plays. I thought they used their feet. Obviously they weren’t live. They’re going to have to learn how to protect themselves out in space, but it was a great day for both of them as young players being out in front of that crowd, having to be the guy and go operate.”
Finding their voice after a handful of veteran departures
The Vols find themselves losing a handful of experience on the offensive side of the ball, including their starting running back, a handful of receivers and now their quarterback.
“But at the end of the day, it’s next man of mentality,” linebacker Arion Carter said. “And I feel like whoever steps in that position is going to be able to go out and ball out. I do my due diligence as a leader, not only on this team but as defense, to make sure those two will often all prepare to go out there and play on Saturdays.”
Losing production at skill positions can impact the dynamic of a team on and off the field. Despite the roster turnover, a few veteran players from last season’s team have emerged as new voices of reason.
“Miles Kitselman,” Heupel said. “Eeally mature, great command, great presence, ability to demand things from the guys around him – is somebody that’s really strong. Up front, Lance Heard is developing some of that, but that’s my job with the leadership council, our young shadow warriors to continue to grow those guys throughout the rest of the season.”
Kitselman leads not only the tight end group, but is becoming a voice for the entire offense. With groups like the receiving and running back room, who lost a handful of production, having a voice like Kitselman can make all the difference.
Landscape is different, but game remains the same
The passing days have been a brutal example of how different the game of college football has changed. The Tennessee team understands, though, that this game is much more than just one player.
“I’ve been on some talented teams that haven’t done too well because there are a bunch of individuals on those teams,” Kitselman said. “And I’m not just saying this to say this, but, man, this team’s different. Our o-line’s close, wide receivers close, tight ends – the closest group I’ve ever been with — our quarterbacks are close.”
The camaraderie among the team showed through some of the performances from underclassmen such as receiver Radarious Jackson and veteran transfer Star Thomas.
“What happens outside of the game, in some ways, has changed,” Heupel said. “The game itself hasn’t changed. You got to be tough, smart, and physical. You have to play extremely hard. You have to have fundamentals and technique.”
Both new to the team, Thomas as a senior transfer while Jackson is a true freshman, the two showed promise in their limited time.
Jackson tallied 65 yards along with an impressive grab on the sideline to set the Vols up for a score. Thomas, on the other hand, led the team in rushing with 44 yards.
The two are a prime example of how, in the context of today’s game, the class can’t amount to the production. The two will have a handful of chances to see playing time this season.
