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Josh Heupel sends message to ‘Vol Nation’ following Nico Iamaleava’s departure
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Tennessee coach Josh Heupel met with reporters in Knoxville on Saturday afternoon following the annual Orange & White spring game.
Heupel of course had plenty to talk about as the program parted ways with starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava this weekend. Fans have consistently shown support for the way Heupel and Tennessee have handled this saga even after news of Iamaleava’s departure became official on Saturday.
When asked about that support from the Tennessee fan base, Heupel said he wasn’t surprised. He said he expects Tennessee fans to rally around the players who are still in Knoxville and will rep the Vols in 2025.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Vol Nation, you know, rallies around this group of players and this program,” Heupel said. “I have been here long enough and seen enough things happen that … that’s why I consider it the greatest fan base in college sports. Not just college football.”
Expectations will likely remain high for Tennessee. According to the latest betting odds at bet365, Tennessee has the 4th-best odds to win the SEC in 2025 at +700. If you’re interested in betting on college football futures, here’s a bet365 Tennessee bonus code to help you get started with a sign-up bonus.
Tennessee will now head into the spring portal window with just 2 scholarship quarterbacks on the roster. Heupel also confirmed at his press conference on Saturday that Tennessee plans to add a 3rd quarterback via the portal this spring.
The spring portal window will open on April 16.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
