Nico Iamaleava looked the part for Tennessee in the Vols’ 35-0 win over Iowa in the Citrus Bowl.

Iamaleava’s success in his first start has fired up Tennessee’s fanbase and increased the excitement over how the Vols will perform in 2024.

But what about the players around him?

Iamaleava scored Tennessee’s first three touchdowns and added another through the air later in the game.

He won’t be able to do it all by himself in SEC play, however.

So how did the players expected to help Iamaleava in 2024 perform against Iowa?

Let’s take a look.

RB Dylan Sampson

Sampson took over the RB1 role with the departure of Jabari Small and Jaylen Wright.

And Sampson looked the part.

He rushed for 133 yards on 20 carries and didn’t have a negative run.

Sampson showed off his burst, hitting a long run of 31 yards – a feat that proved difficult against Iowa’s defense this season.

Sampson also showed his ability to carry a heavy workload.

Could he carry the ball 20 times in a game?

Sampson offered an emphatic yes with his performance against Iowa.

RB Cameron Seldon

Seldon was the next man up thanks to Tennessee’s running back opt-outs.

Seldon looked solid in his first game receiving meaningful carries against a quality opponent.

He ran for 55 yards on 13 carries (4.2 yards per carry) and showed the power that comes with his 6-foot-2, 222-pound frame.

Seldon will see runs he’d like to have back when he looks at the film.

But Seldon belongs in the SEC and should be a quality second option to Sampson in 2024.

Will Tennessee have more help behind Sampson and Seldon?

Khalifa Keith will enter his second season hoping to earn a bigger role.

And incoming freshman Peyton Lewis will bring more speed to the offense.

The Vols need more players to emerge.

But Tennessee is off to a good start with Sampson and Seldon.

OL Gerald Mincey

Mincey started at left tackle with John Campbell Jr. unable to play.

Mincey made a strong case to be the team’s left tackle next season.

Campbell played on the left side in 2023 and very well could be back in that spot next season.

But Mincey, who’s also played left tackle during his time at Tennessee, should get some consideration.

The Vols had offensive line issues against Iowa, but not as much at left tackle.

The offensive line will have several questions this offseason.

Who will start at left guard?

And does Tennessee have enough help at the two tackle positions?

Josh Heupel and his staff would be wise to look for another tackle if they can find one.

But Mincey is a player who showed up on the Senior Bowl radar last summer.

With Mincey deciding to return to Tennessee for another season, he could make a jump and establish himself as the Vols’ top tackle heading into 2024.

The Wide Receivers

Here are the numbers against Iowa from Tennessee’s receivers set to return next season:

Squirrel White – 3 catches for 39 yards

Kaleb Webb – 2 catches for 18 yards

Chas Nimrod – 2 catches for 16 yards

White has speed that opposing teams have to respect and has shown he can make plays in the SEC.

Perhaps White makes a big jump next year as a junior.

But right now, there’s still a question about the ceiling of Tennessee’s receivers.

Dont’e Thornton will return and have a chance to improve from a disappointing 2023.

Bru McCoy is also considering a return following his season-ending injury.

And newcomers Chris Brassell (transfer), Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley will add depth and talent to Tennessee’s room of receivers.

Do the Vols have enough at receiver, though?

That will be a question to ponder during the offseason.

Especially if Tennessee is unable to land another receiver through the transfer portal.

Remaining Question

Ethan Davis saw his freshman season come and go without making an impact at tight end.

What will he do next year?

Tennessee has to replace departing seniors McCallan Castles and Jacob Warren.

Notre Dame transfer Holden Staes will help.

But Davis’s progression and ability to make plays for Tennessee will be an important part of the Vols’ offense next season.

Davis wasn’t able to show anything in the Citrus Bowl.

That doesn’t mean his 2024 season will be a bust.

Not at all.

It’s just something to add to the discussion for the next eight months.

There are plenty of reasons to be excited about 2024.

Iamaleava will lead that discussion.

There’s more work to do, too.

That goes for everyone.