Kentucky
Tennessee HC Josh Heupel: Nico Iamaleava 'Had A Great Night' Against Kentucky | Rocky Top Insider
A number of the same issues that plagued Tennessee football’s offense during its lackluster first four performances in SEC play persisted in its 28-18 win over Kentucky.
But after shaky performances to open up conference play, redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava built off his strong second half against Alabama by playing the best game of his young career against Kentucky.
“He had a great night, man,” Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said postgame. “Has played a lot of really good football.”
Iamaleava completed 28-of-38 pass attempts for 292 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions against Kentucky but the numbers could have been significantly better.
Chris Brazzell dropped what would have been a 48-yard touchdown in the first half and Chas Nimrod dropped perhaps Iamaleava’s best ball of the night on a crossing route. Instead of what would have been a 68-yard touchdown, Tennessee had just one of its two three-and-outs on the night and punted.
If Brazzell and Nimrod make two plays they should have made, Iamaleava throws for over 400 yards and three touchdowns.
The stats, or potential stats, only tell part of the story for Iamaleava against Kentucky. Tennessee’s redshirt freshman quarterback made big throws and big plays throughout the night. He connected with Nimrod to move the sticks on an out route from the far hash and made a beautiful throw on the run to a tightly defended Dont’e Thornton on a crucial third down in the fourth quarter.
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Iamaleava made the splash plays that we’ve seen sprinkled in throughout the season in critical moments throughout the game. But he did it while commanding the offense and having only one turnover worthy play. The talented underclassmen hadn’t shown that for a full game in his young career until Saturday night.
“I thought he played with great confidence, great poise,” Heupel said. “Made plays when they presented themselves. It was close on some deep balls down the football field. Close, man. I thought he saw things really well. So all in all, really, really good command, presence from him throughout the course of the night.”
Iamaleava didn’t run the ball often against Kentucky but he had a couple really important runs. He scrambled for a fourth down conversion on Tennessee’s first touchdown drive of the night and later escaped the pocket as it was collapsing on him to move the sticks.
Tennessee is still far from perfect and didn’t seamlessly turn in a strong second half against Alabama into a strong game against Kentucky. But Iamaleava did turn what was his best half of the season into his best game of the season the next time out.
“He’s a young player that continues to get better with every play,” Heupel said postgame. “You guys heard me say that before the season. But his competitive makeup and ability to make plays, be a good decision maker back there. … Good news for him and for us is his best football still in front of him.”
It’s hard to gauge what the ceiling is for the flawed Tennessee team in a year with such few great college football teams. But Iamaleava’s improvement paired with the Vols’ defense is a reason for excitement.
13 things more likely to happen than winning the Powerball jackpot
Hoping to win the Powerball jackpot? Here are 13 things more likely to happen than becoming an instant millionaire.
The Kentucky Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at Saturday, May 9, 2026 winning numbers for each game.
Cash Ball
08-15-20-35, Cash Ball: 21
Check Cash Ball payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 3
Evening: 4-1-5
Midday: 3-6-9
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 4
Evening: 9-6-4-3
Midday: 5-1-4-5
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Powerball
15-41-46-47-56, Powerball: 22, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Powerball Double Play
06-27-58-61-65, Powerball: 14
Millionaire for Life
08-11-17-29-49, Bonus: 02
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Courier Journal digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.
Top headlines of the week, May 8 2026
Here are some stories you may have missed this week in central Ohio.
Authorities said a body recovered May 4 from the Ohio River in northeast Kentucky has been identified as a Columbus man, Dispatch news partner NBC4/WMCH-TV reported.
Lewis County Sheriff Johnny Bivens said the body has been identified as Jason D. Frisbie, 38, of Columbus. Bivens said authorities in Kentucky worked with Ohio officials to identify Frisbie this week.
Bivens said Lewis County took a call around 4:30 p.m. May 4 about a body in the river in Vanceburg, Kentucky, a few miles south of Ohio’s Shawnee State Park. Bivens said responding agencies took the body to the Kentucky State Medical Examiner’s Office.
Lewis County authorities asked for public help identifying the body. On May 9, Bivens confirmed Frisbie’s identity after working with Ohio officials and local responders.
Bivens said the death remains under investigation, and authorities did not offer information about a suspected cause.
Kentucky
Two ‘dangerous’ inmates escape Kentucky detention center, sparking multi-agency manhunt across region
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Two inmates described as “dangerous” escaped Friday evening from a Kentucky detention center, prompting a multi-agency manhunt, police said.
The Morehead Police Department warned the surrounding community that two inmates had “walked away” from the Rowan County Detention Center.
Investigators said multiple law enforcement agencies are actively searching for the escapees, with Kentucky State Police leading the investigation.
“These inmates should be considered dangerous,” police said, warning the community not to approach anyone suspicious or unfamiliar.
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Two inmates described as “dangerous” escaped from a Kentucky detention center, prompting a multi-agency manhunt. (Morehead Police Department)
One of the inmates was identified as Michael Fogleman, 29, who is described as 6 feet tall and 188 pounds.
He has short or closely shaved hair and a short beard along his jawline and chin, according to police.
The second inmate was identified as James Smallwood, 52, who is listed at 6 feet 1 inch tall and about 215 pounds.
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Michael Fogleman, 29, is one of two inmates who escaped from a Kentucky detention center, police said. (Morehead Police Department)
He is described as having a medium to stocky build with gray facial hair around the mouth and chin area.
Smallwood was last seen wearing a white shirt and blue jeans and possibly a hat, police said.
James Smallwood, 52, is one of two inmates on the run after escaping from a Kentucky jail, authorities said. (Morehead Police Department)
Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and call 911 immediately if they see anything suspicious or have information about the escapees.
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Law enforcement agencies are searching for two escaped inmates in Kentucky, authorities said. (Silas Walker/Lexington Herald-Leader/Tribune News Service)
Investigators said they will provide more information as it becomes available.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Kentucky State Police and Rowan County Detention Center for comment.
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