Joe Milton III started for Tennessee football in the Orange Bowl a year ago. Milton started every game in the 2023 season following that bowl game.
The same will likely be said for freshman Nico Iamaleava. Milton announced his opting out of the Citrus Bowl on Wednesday, passing the torch to his freshman counterpart. Milton made the announcement on Instagram.
“To all my coaches, thanks for helping me become a better player every day, and to Coach Heup, Coach Halzle and Coach Mitch, thank you for helping me become an even better man,” Milton wrote in his post.
“Playing inside Club Neyland was amazing – the energy, the noise and especially Running Through the “T”. I’m going to miss it all. Playing in the NFL has always been my dream since l was 4 years old. Now it’s time to turn those dreams into reality as I begin preparing for the 2024 NFL Draft.”
By all accounts, Milton is in Orlando with the Vols assisting with bowl preparations. Milton finished his senior season with 2,813 yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions as he helped lead the Vols to an 8-4 season. The mark put him seventh in the SEC for passing yards.
Milton ended his Tennessee career with his best performance. The 6-foot-5, 235-pound quarterback threw for 383 yards and four touchdowns against Vanderbilt on Senior Day.
“You go out with a bang,” Milton said following that performance. “Every game, you try to do that. But the most important one is the last one inside of the stadium. You show a team that is how we play when we get inside of this stadium. That is the legacy that I am going to hold onto and leave it onto my guy Nico.”
With Milton opting out, the way for Iamaleava to take over at quarterback is clear. The former five-star prospect only played 52 snaps in 2023, none of which came in the first half. Due to his limited playing time, Iamaleava will redshirt his freshman season.
Iamaleava’s first start comes against a stout Iowa defense. The Hawkeyes rank fourth in scoring defense and 19th in third down conversions allowed.
Joe Milton III (7) communicates with receiver during career day in Neyland Stadium. Saturday Nov. 25, 2023.
