Why would that be a good thing? Well, isn’t too difficult to figure out when you catch wind of the buzz surrounding the QB position in Knoxville. Sitting behind Joe Milton is former 5-star prospect Nico Iamaleava, who was rated as the No. 2 overall prospect in the Class of 2023, behind only Texas QB Arch Manning.
On Tuesday, Vols insider Austin Price, who covers Tennessee for On3Sports, mentioned that while many fans assume Milton will start the Citrus Bowl against Iowa as he did the Orange Bowl last season against Clemson, there’s “still a possibility” that he chooses to sit out and prepare for the NFL Draft.
If Joe elects not to play, and this will be a Joe decision – I don’t think Josh Heupel is going to tell Joe he can’t play in the bowl game – if Joe elected to not play in the bowl game, I think that’s something they would probably keep quiet for at least a little bit longer,” Price said on Knoxville local 104.5 The Zone’s Ramon, Kayla, and Will.
“I don’t see them just unveiling it right now. Josh Heupel’s big on the gamesmanship. If that (Milton opting out) were to be the case, I think we would see it a little closer — I’m not saying he’s going to take it all the way to the day before the game — but I think he’s going to want Iowa to spend as much time preparing for one guy when it’s the other guy.”
“I think that’s (Milton opting out) still a possibility,” added Price. “I don’t think it’s crazy talk to think that you could see Joe elect to not play in the bowl game.” Joe Milton was a lot better than Vols fans gave him credit for, but he simply doesn’t hold a candle to what Hendon Hooker was able to do after transferring from Virginia Tech. Milton finished the 2023 regular season having thrown for 2,813 yards, 20 touchdowns and just 5 interceptions. More than anything, Milton’s indecision kept him from taking a step from good to great.
