Is Nico Iamaleava playing today? Tennessee QB's availability for Week 12 explored

No.6 Tennessee Volunteers (8-1, 5-1, SEC) fans are on edge as they await confirmation of Nico Iamaleava's availability for Saturday’s clash against No. 11 Georgia Bulldogs (7-2, 5-2, SEC). The redshirt freshman quarterback was sidelined with a concussion before Saturday’s game against Kirby Smart’s team.

Is Nico Iamaleava playing today?

Nico Iamaleava is cleared to play against the Bulldogs. According to ESPN's Chris Low, the Vols quarterback has reportedly been cleared to play. The official word from the team is pending, but all signs suggest Iamaleava will suit up for the primetime battle in Athens.

Josh Heupel and his team have been pretty impressive this season, and Lamaleava is a big reason why.

“Nico has been good here in the early part of the week,” Heupel said on Wednesday. "And at this point in the week, I'll refer everybody to the availability report that comes out later tonight. And everybody can wait with anticipation for that.”

The quarterback’s availability status became a focal point after he suffered an upper-body injury last Saturday against Mississippi State, which was later notified as a concussion. He was hit hard twice on a critical second-quarter drive during the Vols’ 33-14 win last week against Mississippi State.

Iamaleava has been a standout performer for Heupel this season. He has completed 65.2% of his passes so far, amounting to 1,879 yards, 11 touchdowns and four interceptions. His return is a game-changer for Tennessee as they face Kirby Smart’s Georgia defense.

It was a welcome moment for the Tennessee faithful when they saw the 20-year-old boarding the team bus. However, if somehow Iamaleava cannot take the field, backup Gaston Moore will step in for the signal-calling duties.

While Moore trusts head coach Josh Heupel and his teammates, Nico Iamaleava’s dynamic playmaking ability gives Tennessee its best shot at silencing doubters. Facing Smart's Georgia squad, Iamaleava's presence could be the difference maker.

All eyes will be on the Vols’ pregame announcements to see if their young quarterback is ready to shine under the bright lights.