Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava reacts to the tragic death of his high school teammate

Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava has expressed grief over the death of Juan Wilson Jr, his former high school teammate. The two athletes became close at Long Beach Poly High School. Wilson died on Sunday after battling to recover from severe injuries sustained in a 2021 car accident.

Iamaleava posted a photo of Wilson on Instagram and reacted with a teary-eyed emoji.

Image via Ig@nico_iamaleava8

Warren High School’s football program also paid tribute to Wilson in a heartfelt Instagram post, honoring his strength and determination.

"It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Juan Wilson Jr." the statement read. "He is and will always be a beloved member of our Warren Football family. He played the game with such speed and grace, running the most beautiful routes. He had so much strength, but it was never on display more than these past 3 years as he fought for his recovery and life. He showed such incredible determination and resilience. The courage he displayed in his fight was inspiring to us all."

Wilson died in a devastating car crash on the I-5 Freeway in 2021. The accident involved three Warren High School athletes traveling in a 2010 Nissan Altima, which lost control and flipped multiple times.

Jaylon Connish, another beloved player, died at the scene. Despite critical injuries, Wilson became a beacon of resilience for the community. The tragedies left an indelible mark on Downey, California. Vigils were held for Connish, and now, the community mourns Wilson’s death.

Tennessee's QB Nico Iamaleava's future key to Heupel's success

Tennessee coach Josh Heupel is working diligently to support Nico Iamaleava, his star quarterback. According to VolQuest's Brent Hubbs, the coaching staff plans to add a transfer portal receiver to replenish a depleted receiving corps.

While no specific receiver has been brought in yet, Tennessee is actively exploring options, with visits still possible before and during the spring cycle. Additionally, Heupel’s staff is focused on improving the offensive line and secondary.

Hubbs shared that offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon, a USC transfer, is visiting Knoxville and is expected to choose between Tennessee, Oregon and Texas.

“I think Tennessee is still going to be active," he said. "And they’ve got the USC transfer (in town for a visit), they've had him on campus the past 24 hours, (offensive lineman) Emmanuel Pregnon. I think that’s a Tennessee, Oregon [battle]. He’s going to Texas next.

We’ll see where that one goes. So I think Tennessee would like to have an offensive guard if they can get one that they really wanted. And certainly a receiver. And then we’ll see what they do on defense."

Despite accumulating 30 wins over the past three seasons, Tennessee’s 2024 offense failed to meet expectations, particularly for Iamaleava. A one-dimensional attack limited the sophomore’s potential.

Cody Nagel of 247 Sports noted that Tennessee’s chances at competing for a Southeastern Conference title and a deeper College Football Playoff run in 2025 hinge on better supporting Iamaleava.