Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava’s helmet cracked vs Ohio State

On December 22, 2024By Littum

(This story has been updated to add new information).

Nico Iamaleava’s helmet was cracked on the very first drive for Tennessee football in its first-round College Football Playoff game at Ohio State.

Facing a third-and-long mod BuckeyesOn defense, Iamaleava tried to rush out of the pocket but was hit by the Buckeyes’ Cody Simons, whose helmet took the head off his 1-yard rush. After Iamaleava left the field, cameras showed a large crack on the right side of Iamaleava’s helmet above the Tennessee block “T.”

ESPN sideline reporter Marty Smith reported prior to the Vols’ second drive that Simon’s hit resulted in a 6-inch crack in the helmet of Iamaleava and that the Tennessee freshman QB had a new helmet for the second drive.

“It was a huge hit,” Smith said. “Actually, it put a six-inch crack on top of Nico Iamaleava’s helmet. He now has a new helmet. The equipment staff at Tennessee has been working hard lately to try to prepare for the new helmet. They just told me that the equipment staff did, it was very similar to what happened to Patrick Mahomes’ helmet in Kansas City a few weeks ago.”

Tennessee’s first drive ended in a three-and-out, and Iamaleava was sacked on the second play of the second drive, which also resulted in a three-and-out and another punt.

Iamaleava switched to a VICIS helmet prior to the Nov. 16 Georgia game after suffering a concussion against Mississippi State the week before its homecoming game.