Heupel Eyes Next Wave of Leadership for Vols After Iamaleava’s Exit

In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, leadership transitions are as inevitable as the changing seasons. For the Tennessee Volunteers, the latest shift came with the departure of quarterback Nico Iamaleava, whose decision to declare early for the NFL Draft sent ripples through the program. A central figure in Tennessee’s resurgence, Iamaleava was not just a dynamic playmaker but also the emotional and vocal heartbeat of the team. His exit left a noticeable void, and now, head coach Josh Heupel has turned his attention to identifying the next generation of leaders who can carry the Vols forward.

During spring practice and early offseason workouts, Heupel has been deliberate in nurturing a culture of accountability and resilience. While he emphasizes that leadership is a collective effort, he made headlines recently by identifying two players by name who are poised to take on larger leadership roles in Iamaleava’s absence: linebacker Elijah Herring and wide receiver Squirrel White.

Both players bring unique personalities and skill sets to the table, but what unites them is their work ethic, dedication to the team, and burgeoning presence in the locker room. With a relatively young roster entering a transitional phase, the emergence of Herring and White could prove to be the stabilizing force the Vols need heading into the 2025 season.

Elijah Herring, a junior from Murfreesboro, has already carved out a significant role for himself on the defensive side of the ball. He stepped into the starting lineup last fall and quickly became one of Tennessee’s most consistent tacklers. Known for his high motor and physicality, Herring has grown into a trusted presence at linebacker—a position that demands leadership both in communication and in action.

Heupel noted that Herring’s vocal presence has become more pronounced this offseason. “Elijah has taken that next step,” Heupel said. “He’s not just doing his job anymore. He’s holding guys accountable. He’s making sure the standard is upheld every single day.”

Herring’s development mirrors that of many great Tennessee linebackers of the past: raw talent refined through tough experiences and a relentless drive to improve. What makes Herring particularly valuable in this moment is his ability to command respect without theatrics. Teammates listen when he speaks, and perhaps more importantly, they follow his lead.

“He’s one of those guys that’s always early, always studying film, always trying to help younger players,” said defensive coordinator Tim Banks. “That kind of presence is contagious. You need guys like that when you’re building for the long haul.”

The defense, which had moments of brilliance last season but lacked consistency, will be looking to take a major leap forward in 2025. Herring’s leadership will be key to that growth, especially as new faces begin to rotate into starting roles.

On the other side of the ball, Squirrel White has emerged as a potential face of the offense—not just for his production, but for his growing maturity. The lightning-quick slot receiver from Alabama has been a fan favorite since his breakout freshman season. With Iamaleava gone, White is expected to be a safety blanket for Tennessee’s next quarterback, whoever wins the job.

But Heupel is counting on more than just yards after catch from White. He’s looking for the third-year receiver to become a mentor and motivator in the wide receiver room and beyond.

“Squirrel has really embraced the challenge of stepping into a leadership role,” Heupel said. “He’s been around now. He knows what it takes. The younger guys gravitate toward him because of the way he works and how much he cares about this program.”

White’s growth has not been limited to the field. Coaches say his communication has improved significantly, both in meetings and in team settings. It’s a sign of a player maturing into someone capable of setting the tone in the huddle and in the locker room. With White now one of the most experienced skill position players on the roster, his voice carries weight.

“I’ve learned a lot from watching how Nico handled things,” White said recently. “He was calm, focused, and always about the team. That’s what I’m trying to bring now—making sure we’re all on the same page and pushing in the same direction.”

White will likely be the centerpiece of Tennessee’s passing game this fall, especially as the offense transitions to a new signal-caller. His ability to stretch the field and find soft spots in zone coverage has already earned him All-SEC recognition, but his ability to bring younger receivers up to speed could be equally important.

With the spring game in the rearview and fall camp on the horizon, Heupel continues to stress that the program’s success won’t hinge on any one player. But he also understands the need for anchors—players who can carry the team through the grind of the season, steady the ship during rough patches, and elevate everyone around them.

That’s where Herring and White come in.

“These guys are setting the tone every day,” Heupel said. “It’s not about being perfect—it’s about effort, attitude, and accountability. That’s what leadership looks like.”

Both players are also embracing a more active role in the broader team culture. Herring has been instrumental in organizing offseason workouts and film sessions, often bringing underclassmen along to make sure everyone is getting the reps and knowledge needed. White, meanwhile, has been a regular in the athletic department’s leadership development programs and has spoken at several team meetings about maintaining focus and discipline.

Their commitment to the program has also caught the attention of their peers. Several players have pointed to Herring and White as the guys they look to when things get tough. That kind of organic influence is exactly what Heupel hoped would emerge in the post-Iamaleava era.

For Tennessee fans, the names Elijah Herring and Squirrel White may not carry the same star power as Nico Iamaleava—at least not yet. But in the eyes of their coaches and teammates, these are the players who embody what it means to be a Volunteer: tough, determined, and committed to the team above all else.

If Tennessee is to build on its recent momentum and reassert itself as a true SEC contender, it won’t be because of flashy names or preseason hype. It will be because players like Herring and White stepped into the void left by Iamaleava and created something even stronger in his wake.

That’s how dynasties are built—not in a single season or with a single player, but through the steady emergence of leaders who demand more, give more, and inspire those around them to do the same.

So while the quarterback competition will dominate headlines this summer, and new faces will undoubtedly earn their own spotlight, the foundation is already being laid. And Josh Heupel, always a coach with an eye toward the future, seems confident that the future is in good hands.

“Elijah and Squirrel—they get it,” Heupel said. “They know what this program means to people, and they’re willing to lead the right way. That’s how we keep moving forward.”

In the coming months, as the Vols gear up for another demanding season in the SEC, those names may become synonymous not just with production on the field, but with a new chapter of leadership in Knoxville. The post-Nico era has begun—and thanks to the emergence of Herring and White, it might just be brighter than anyone expected.