The Nico Iamaleava era will begin at Tennessee in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, as starting quarterback Joe Milton III has opted out of the game against Iowa on January 1.
Milton, a fifth-year senior, announced on social media Wednesday that he would miss the bowl game to begin training for the NFL draft, and thanked his coaches, teammates, and fans.
“Thank you so much, Vol Nation. “JoJo out,” Milton said, adding that he would be in Orlando this week to support the team.
Mel Kiper of ESPN ranks Milton as the tenth best quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft.
This will be Iamaleava’s first meaningful action for the Vols after appearing in four games as a substitute this season. ESPN classified the 6-6, 206-pound Iamaleava of Long Beach, California, as the No. 4 pocket passer in the country. He’s been on campus for a year, having arrived as an early enrollee and participating in Orange Bowl practice last December.
Iamaleava can still redshirt this season. The bowl game does not count toward the four-game redshirt requirement.
Milton’s college career comes to an end after three seasons at Tennessee. Hendon Hooker’s backup for two seasons before taking over as starting this season. He led the Vols to an 8-4 record while passing for 2,813 yards, 20 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Milton began his collegiate career at Michigan before moving to Tennessee.
“Playing inside Club Neyland was amazing – the energy, the noise, especially Running Through the T,” Milton said on Instagram. “I’m going to miss it all.”
Tennessee fans have been waiting to see Iamaleava in action since he announced his commitment to the Vols. Iamaleava’s arm power, according to coach Josh Heupel, allows him to make every ball, and his feel inside the pocket is equally excellent. Iamaleava excelled as a volleyball player in high school and had the ability to prolong plays with his legs.
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