By Missy Grimes
HONOLULU — Redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava has been named a finalist for the 2024 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award, the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced.
Selected from a watch list of nearly 100 players, Iamaleava is one of eight finalists for the award, which is presented annually to the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry who epitomizes great ability and integrity.
Iamaleava has had a strong first season as Tennessee’s starting signal caller, throwing for 2,512 yards and 19 touchdowns. He has also been effective on the ground, rushing for just over 300 yards and one touchdown. The Long Beach, California, native is the first UT quarterback to win 10 regular-season games since 2003.
A four-time SEC Freshman of the Week honoree, Iamaleava closed the season with back-to-back games of four or more touchdown passes, becoming the first Vol to do so since 2012. His four SEC Freshman of the Week selections are a Tennessee single-season record, as well.
Iamaleava has guided the Vols to their first College Football Playoff berth in program history and will lead the team into Columbus to face No. 6 Ohio State at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 21.
The winner of the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be announced on December 19, 2024.
COURTESY TENNESSEE ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
