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 on Wednesday.
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.
2024 Tennessee Postseason Award Honors as of Dec. 11
DC Tim Banks
Broyles Award Semifinalist
DB Will Brooks
Burlsworth Trophy Semifinalist
QB Nico Iamaleava
Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Semifinalist
Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Finalist
OL Cooper Mays
Rimington Trophy Finalist
All-SEC First Team (Coaches)
WR Bru McCoy
Witten Award Semifinalist
Comeback Player of the Year Semifinalist
SEC Community Service Team
DB Jermod McCoy
Thorpe Award Semifinalist
All-SEC Second Team (Coaches)
DE James Pearce Jr.
Bednarik Award Semifinalist
Lombardi Award Semifinalist
Walter Camp Player of the Year Semifinalist
All-SEC First Team (Coaches)
LB Keenan Pili
NFF Campbell Trophy Semifinalist
RB Dylan Sampson
USA Today SEC Player of the Year
Maxwell Award Semifinalist
Doak Walker Award Semifinalist
All-SEC First Team (Coaches)
OL Javontez Spraggins
All-SEC Third Team (Coaches)
KOS Josh Turbyville
All-SEC Third Team (Coaches)
Offensive Line
Joe Moore Award Semifinalist
