Nico Iamaleava named finalist for Polynesian Player of the Year

Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava recognized by Polynesian Football Hall of Fame.

Tennessee redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava was named a finalist for the 2024 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year, announced by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame.

He is one of the eight finalists. Finalists were chosen from a watch list of nearly 100 players for the award. The award is presented annually to the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry, and who epitomizes great ability and integrity.

During his first season as the Vols’ starting quarterback, Iamaleava has totaled 2,512 passing yards and 19 touchdowns. He has also recorded more than 300 rushing yards and one touchdown.

Iamaleava was named SEC Freshman of the Week four times, setting a Tennessee record.

Iamaleava led Tennessee to its first College Football Playoff appearance in program history. The Vols will play Ohio State in a first-round game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Dec. 21. Kickoff is slated for 8 p.m. EST (ABC).

Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire