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.
More From RTI: Everything Mark Stoops Said Following Kentucky Football’s Loss At Tennessee
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.
CAMPBELL COUNTY, Ky. — Kentucky residents ages 18 to 20 will now be able to obtain a provisional concealed carry license under House Bill 312, which requires proper firearm safety training and background checks.
Gun safety advocates are stressing the importance of knowing the law and handling firearms responsibly.
Jeff Poynter has been teaching concealed carry safety for nearly a decade. He said training is critical for anyone looking to carry.
WATCH: Gun safety advocates stress responsible handling with concealed carry changes
Gun safety advocates discuss new Kentucky firearm law
“If you don’t have the training and know what to do, then you shouldn’t be using it,” Poynter said. “They will go over the laws, they will go over safe handling in the house, safety around children, their responsibilities when it comes to that, safety in their vehicle, safety while they’re carrying.”
Poynter also said gun owners should continuously revisit their safety training.
“It’s a perishable skill. It needs to be maintained,” Poynter added.
Kevin Michalowski, a former law enforcement officer with over 30 years of firearm safety training experience and a member of the United States Concealed Carry Association, said it is also important to know the laws beyond Kentucky’s borders. In Ohio, for example, there is no legally permitted concealed carry under the age of 21.
“It is your responsibility when you’re carrying your gun to make sure that you are carrying it legally and only carrying it where you are allowed to carry it, where that permit allows,” Michalowski said.
Kentucky State Police said applications for the new provisional concealed carry permit are expected to open in mid-September.
Michalowski said getting proper training is what separates responsible gun owners from the rest.
“If you’re going to carry a firearm, you need to get training. You need to understand where you can legally carry that firearm and what you can and can’t do with it,” Michalowski said. “The people who get that training are far more responsible than the people who don’t.”
You can find more information on the legislation by clicking the link here, with information on the Kentucky State Police website here.
Have a story idea or tip for WCPO 9 Northern Kentucky reporter Logan MacDonald? Email him at Logan@WCPO.com.
WCPO
KENTUCKY – The Kentucky Department for Public Health is investigating 100 reported cases of cyclosporiasis statewide, 61 of which have been confirmed.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the microscopic parasite Cyclospora; the highest risk of infection is for people living in or traveling to subtropical regions.
Foodborne outbreaks are associated with various types of produce, such as raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas, and mixed greens.
Symptoms typically begin two to 14 days after exposure.
The most common symptoms include diarrhea, fatigue, and abdominal cramping. It is commonly treated with a combination of antibiotics.
Public health experts are urging people to follow food-safety guidelines to reduce the risk, such as washing hands with soap and warm water after handling produce, cleaning food preparation areas and tools with soap, and water and washing all fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking.
Copyright 2026 WKYT. All rights reserved.
Kentucky State Police seeks public vote for national cruiser contest
Published 3:12 pm Monday, July 13, 2026
FRANKFORT – Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky State Police are calling on Kentuckians to help power a statewide push in a national competition that celebrates the most eye-catching police cruisers in the country.
KSP has entered the 2026 Best Looking Cruiser Contest, held annually by the American Association of State Troopers (AAST). The contest consists of the public voting on their favorite cruiser photo, with the winning image earning the cover of the association’s 2027 calendar.
“The men and women of the Kentucky State Police represent the very best of public service,” Beshear said. “I encourage every Kentuckian to show their support by voting in this national contest.”
This year, KSP is highlighting the dedication and training required to be a trooper by featuring a 2024 Mustang GT cruiser outside of the KSP Academy in Frankfort, Ky. Beyond its striking design, the image also serves as a tribute to fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
The Kentucky State Police have 39 troopers, officers and patrolmen who lost their lives in the line of duty. Among them was Trooper James W. McNeely who drowned during a rescue mission on the Kentucky River in 1972 and his body was never recovered.
In 2015, the KSP unveiled a nearly 10-foot-tall bronze statue, titled ‘The Trooper’, which is in front of the Academy Building. This statue was created in Trooper McNeely’s likeness and depicts a trooper walking towards the future to serve the citizens of Kentucky.
“This year’s contest photo symbolizes what it means to be a Kentucky State Police trooper, by showcasing the devotion, hard work, commitment and sacrifice that our troopers give to their local communities daily,” stated KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. “We would be humbled and honored to have your vote and support on social media.”
KSP has placed in the top five in the past eight years, taking home back-to-back wins in 2021 and 2022. While the Florida Highway Patrol won the competition last year, Kentucky is ready to take the top spot and needs your help to win it all.
Kentuckians are encouraged to vote for KSP’s entry now through Friday, July 10, at 12:00 p.m.
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