National media outlet tabs Tennessee Vols QB Nico Iamaleava as top breakout candidate in 2024

Tennessee Vol fans have a lot to look forward to this fall.  With rivals Florida and Alabama at home in back-to-back weeks and with road trips to Oklahoma and Georgia, there will be plenty of marquee opportunities for the Vols to try to prove that they're a playoff team in 2024.

And it's a team that could get it done thanks to their signal caller.  At least, that's how ESPN sees it i n its latest rankings of the top games, storylines, breakout contenders, and more .  A panel of writers put together a list of top 10 lists across several categories.

As it would be, the group sees Vols QB Nico Iamaleava as the top breakout candidate in the country in 2024.

1. Nico Iamaleava, QB, Tennessee: There's no surprise here. One of the most highly touted and anticipated players in last year's high school class is set to get his shot at being Tennessee's starting quarterback this season after a four-touchdown, MVP-winning performance in the Citrus Bowl last season. Iamaleava may be young, slight and inexperienced, but the hype surrounding him has been present for a reason. -- Paolo Uggetti, ESPN.com

It goes without saying that Iamaleava gave everyone a lot to think about in his first career start on New Year's Day against the Iowa Hawkeyes.  The talented QB accounted for four touchdowns on the day, with three of them coming on the ground.  T

However, there were some struggles, particularly in the passing game.  There were some misfires and some stretches where the Vols didn't move the ball well.  And that's to be expected for a player in his first ever start.

Still, you'd have to be blind not to see the very high ceiling that Iamaleava possesses.  And if he continues to progress steadily, there's no doubt that the Vols can live up to the playoff hype that some have bestowed upon them this year despite the challenging schedule.

In fact, ESPN has the Vols ranked at #5 among possible first-time playoff contenders this fall.

5. Tennessee : With a loaded schedule that includes road trips to Georgia and Oklahoma -- plus a neutral site nonconference game against NC State -- the Vols have ample opportunities to impress the selection committee even as a two-loss team. - Heather Dinich, ESPN.com

If Tennessee indeed can find themselves with their first shot at playing for the national championship since the 1998 season, then it will undoubtedly be in huge part because of Iamaleava reaching a level that Tennessee fans believe he can.

Related: NFL superstar Christian McCaffrey reveals Tennessee Vols have fueled his fire over the years