Nico Iamaleava, star Tennessee signee for 2023, takes home Polynesian Bowl MVP

Tennessee QB signee Nico Iamaleava took home the offensive MVP award at the 2023 Polynesian Bowl.

The star recruit led Team Mauka to a 22-17 victory over Team Makai on Friday. Iamaleava completed 13-of-20 passes on the day for 186 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT. The QB also rushed for 63 yards on 5 carries.

Congratulations to our 2023 Polynesian Bowl MVPs. Tennessee QB @Nico_Iamaleava8 and uncommitted LB Andrew Harris from Lake Brantley (FL) took home defensive honors. @GoVols247 @GregBiggins @BrandonHuffman @Vol_Football @SportsRecruits pic.twitter.com/vaXIFWebvj

— POLYNESIAN BOWL (@polynesiabowl) January 21, 2023

The Polynesian Bowl is an annual game played in Hawaii, displaying top high school football recruits in the nation.

Iamaleava is a 5-star QB out of Warren High School in Downey, California, and is the 3rd-ranked national prospect in the class of 2023 according to 247Sports Composite. The star recruit was an early enrollee at Tennessee and joined the team for practice before the Orange Bowl.

The Volunteers are coming off of an Orange Bowl victory over Clemson, leading to an 11-2 finish on the season.