"Just like LeBron, the refs are helping": Fans react to Nico Iamaleava's 'Silencer' celebration as Vols crash out of CFP in ugly loss to Ohio State

Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava found himself at the center of controversy during the Volunteers’ College Football Playoff game against Ohio State on Saturday. Despite the Vols fighting hard, their season ended with a disappointing 42-17 loss at Ohio Stadium.

One moment from the game stirred up plenty of reactions online. In the second quarter, Iamaleava mimicked LeBron James’ signature “Silencer” celebration after scoring. However, the gesture seemed deliberate, considering James is both an Ohio native and a passionate Ohio State supporter.

Fans didn’t hold back after the game, with many taking shots at Iamaleava. One fan sarcastically tweeted:

“Just like LeBron, the refs are helping.”

“Nico's clutch 'Silencer' shot,” one fan said.

Here are some more reactions from fans.

“You don’t celebrate down like that. Clown shit,” one fan said.

“Nico did it better than LeBron did,” another fan said.

“Well they both severely lack self-awareness,” one fan said.

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Nico Iamaleava felt relentless pressure from Ohio State

During the 2023 regular season, Iamaleava served as Joe Milton's backup quarterback. However, he stepped into the spotlight as Tennessee's starting quarterback for the Citrus Bowl in January.

Unfortunately for Nico Iamaleava, the game wasn’t as memorable as his celebration. The freshman quarterback struggled and faced relentless pressure from Ohio State’s defense.

He completed just 14 of 31 passes for 104 yards—his lowest total of the season—while rushing for 47 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries. The Buckeyes’ pass rush sacked him four times and kept him on the run all game long.

While the Vols (10-3) had a strong season, their playoff hopes were crushed by the Buckeyes (11-2), whose physicality and defensive prowess proved too much to handle.

Nico Iamaleava, a former five-star recruit, has the potential to evolve into an outstanding quarterback for the Vols. Before his collegiate journey, Iamaleava attended Warren High School in Downey, California, and later Long Beach Polytechnic High School in Long Beach.