With Bru McCoy returning for Tennessee football next season, quarterback Nico Iamaleava's list of targets has gotten better.

McCoy, who is recovering from a season-ending ankle injury, opted to play one more season with the Vols rather than enter the 2024 NFL Draft.

It’s a bonus for Iamaleava, who takes over as UT’s starting quarterback after earning the Citrus Bowl MVP in his first start on Monday. And Iamaleava and McCoy have a rapport as products of southern California.

UT needs to air it out better next season. In 2022, the Vols ranked No. 5 in passing offense (326.1 ypg) with quarterback Hendon Hooker. But in 2023, they slipped to No. 51 in passing offense (243.2 ypg) with Joe Milton.

Iamaleava will rely on Notre Dame transfer Holden Staes and Ethan Davis at tight end. And he’ll have capable pass-catchers in Dylan Sampson and Cam Seldon at running back. And the Vols could still add players from the transfer portal.

But for now, here are UT’s top seven wide receivers for Iamaleava for the 2024 season.

Bru McCoy

McCoy, a 6-foot-3, 220-pounder, is an NFL caliber receiver if he can successfully return from an ankle injury. He is UT’s most physical receiver.

For Iamaleava, McCoy will be a sure-handed receiver, hard runner, bruising blocker and team leader. On third downs, he should be a favorite target for the young quarterback.

Last season, McCoy had 17 catches for 217 yards and one TD before the injury. In 2022, he had 52 receptions for 667 yards and four TDs in the best receiving unit in college football.

Squirrel White

White, the speedy slot receiver, led UT with 67 catches for 803 yards and two TDs this season.

If Iamaleava can utilize the middle of the field better than Milton, White will benefit. And Iamaleava’s ability to scramble also should open up throwing lanes to White.

White can take a short pass for a big gain or stretch a defense with a deep route.

But it was apparent that White was less effective after McCoy’s injury. He can’t carry a receiving corps, but he thrives as a complementary receiver. UT’s job is to make sure the latter is true in 2024 to maximize White.

Chris Brazzell

Brazzell, a Tulane transfer, fits the bill of what UT needed in the portal. He’s a 6-5, 195-pounder with big-play ability. He made seven catches of at least 30 yards during his 2023 breakout season.

Of course, transfer wideouts don’t always hit immediately, and UT knows that. And the competition level will rise as Brazzell goes from Tulane to the SEC.

Spring practice will be critical for Brazzell. But he has three seasons of eligibility remaining, so he’ll work into the offense alongside Iamaleava.

Dont’e Thornton

A year ago, Thornton was UT’s big get in the portal when he transferred from Oregon. But he didn’t impact the receiving corps like the Vols hoped.

Thornton looks the part. He’s a 6-5, 214-pounder with sprinter speed. And he had 17 catches for 366 yards at Oregon in 2022.

But in his first season at UT, he had 13 catches for 224 yards and one TD before suffering a season-ending injury.

The silver lining is that Thornton was just hitting his stride after coaches moved him from slot to outside receiver, where he was more comfortable. If he builds on that brief success, he would be a deep threat for Iamaleava.

Chas Nimrod

Nimrod, a 6-3, 196-pounder, is versatile. He can play all three receiver spots, so he’ll be a prime candidate to crack the lineup in the event of injuries.

Nimrod has sure hands in traffic. He had 19 catches for 194 yards and one TD as a redshirt freshman.

Kaleb Webb

Webb, a 6-3, 198-pounder, was a contributor down the stretch after McCoy’s injury. He had 16 receptions for 166 yards and one TD as a redshirt freshman.

Webb exclusively plays outside receiver. His path to the starting lineup could get narrow. McCoy is returning. Brazzell has joined the mix. And Thornton, now on the outside, will compete for snaps.

Mike Matthews

Matthews, a five-star signee, is already enrolled. The 6-1, 186-pounder can play in the slot or outside, so it will be interesting to see where UT places him in his first spring practice.

Matthews’ talent is undeniable, as 247Sports Composite ranked him the No. 5 receiver and No. 20 prospect overall in the 2024 class.

McCoy’s return likely slows down Matthews’ clock to get in the lineup. But the Vols will play their best wideouts, regardless of their experience, so the offense can thrive with Iamaleava.

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Four-star signee Braylon Staley also enrolled early. And Nathan Leacock, a four-star signee in the 2023 class, could make a jump in his second season. But they face stiff competition to break into a tight rotation at wide receiver.

Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: 7 receivers for Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava with Bru McCoy returning