2 Vols in ESPN's Top 100 College Players

[YankeeVol]

92. Nico Iamaleava​

QB, Tennessee, Freshman
2023 stats: 314 yards, 2 TDs, 79.3 QBR
2023 ranking: NR

A top-25 recruit in 2023, Iamaleava gave us a taste of what he's capable of in 2023, completing 28 of 45 passes for 314 yards and two touchdowns, scrambling nine times for 72 yards and rushing for three bowl TDs versus Iowa. He looks like the total package.

1. James Pearce Jr.​

DE, Tennessee, Junior
2023 stats: 18 solo, 9.5 sacks, 2 FFs, 1 INT
2023 ranking: NR

Entering his third season at Tennessee, the 6-5, 243-pound Pearce is the top pass rusher in the country despite having started only three career games. He's projected as a top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL draft and has 16.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks in his first two seasons. Pearce was a first-team All-SEC selection last season by both the AP and coaches after ranking fifth nationally with 38 total pressures.

An almost all defensive top 5?! College football's top 100 players for 2024

With relatively few established superstars, college football's top 100 players for 2024 might have some surprises.

www.espn.com

 

[perico]

ESPN hates us?

 

[VOLociraptorr]

At least they can admit they were wrong

They had Pearce as an unrated 3

James Pearce - Football Recruiting - Player Profiles - ESPN

Learn about James Pearce and other recruit player profiles on RecruitingNation.com.

www.espn.com

 

[Shirleyudontmeanthat]

How does a backup QB make it in this list?

 

[WillisWG]

Some nice names on that list. Get back us at the end of the year

 

[cardvolfan]

I never worry over what ESPN says, pro or con.

 

[Seattle Hillbilly]

Where the heck is Mr. Mays?

 

[Volfan1000]

How does a backup QB make it in this list?

92 is too low for Nico and I predict that he will make a MAJOR move up this list during the season.