Additional categories include new transfers like Taylen Green and Brock Vandagriff, along with high-potential veterans like Garrett Nussmeier and Conner Weigman. However, the most intriguing prospects could be former five-star recruits now leading renowned programs: Jackson Arnold of Oklahoma and Nico Iamaleava of Tennessee.
These two have the potential to elevate their teams to College Football Playoff contention, with Arnold stealing the spotlight during the Sooners’ debut at SEC Media Days.
Tennessee coach Josh Heupel opted to keep his first-year starter home, but this doesn’t reflect a lack of faith in Iamaleava.
“We want him to start strong,” Heupel expressed. “As a young quarterback who performed admirably in the bowl game, he will keep progressing. His experiences throughout the season will contribute to his growth. However, we anticipate high-level performance from the outset and require that from him.”
Volunteers fans’ enthusiasm about the quarterback from Long Beach, California, was fueled by his standout performance in a 35-0 win against a formidable Iowa defense at the Citrus Bowl.
“I think it has really boosted his confidence,” remarked Tennessee center Cooper Mays.
Standing at 6-foot-6, Iamaleava scored three rushing touchdowns and threw a touchdown pass against the Hawkeyes.
“I always knew he had a good throwing arm, but I didn’t realize he was as agile as he is,” noted former Alabama quarterback and ESPN analyst Greg McElroy. “Considering his tall stature, I wasn’t expecting that level of quickness and lateral agility, so that was surprising. I’m very optimistic about his potential.”
Heupel mentioned that Iamaleava possesses a charismatic personality, which has facilitated his seamless transition into a leadership role within the team.
“He’s a modest and hardworking individual. He came in eager to learn from everyone and was very open-minded,” Mays commented. “Considering he was a highly regarded five-star recruit with a significant following on Instagram, most people in his position might not be as humble. However, he came in ready to put in the work.”
Last season, Arnold also started a bowl game after Dillon Gabriel left Oklahoma for Oregon. Gabriel will be the starting quarterback at Oregon.
The Sooners got a glimpse of their future in the Alamo Bowl against Arizona, and it was quite the rollercoaster. Arnold threw for 361 yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw three interceptions in a 38-24 loss to the Wildcats.
Hailing from Denton, Texas, Arnold mentioned that the experience boosted his confidence while also providing a reality check.
“The number of turnovers is not acceptable, particularly as we enter the SEC,” he stated.
During the offseason, Arnold focused on establishing his presence and leadership both on and off the field.
“This offseason, I concentrated on becoming a more vocal leader, stepping up during conditioning, workouts, or any other activity, and providing encouragement to the other guys,” he explained.
Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman is fully committed. The senior mentioned that he trained with the offense early on Tuesday before heading to media days and was impressed by Arnold’s proactive approach in the gym and his willingness to take the lead.
“I have no doubt that he possesses all the qualities we need,” Stutsman affirmed.
Arnold and Iamaleava will face off on September 21 when Oklahoma’s era in the SEC kicks off with a home game against Tennessee.
