Following Joe Milton’s decision to opt out in favor of early preparation for the 2024 NFL Draft, acclaimed Tennessee freshman quarterback c is slated to make his first career start in the Citrus Bowl. The reaction to the Iamaleava announcement has been considerable, as he was the No. 2-ranked recruit in the NCAA for the 2023 class and arrived at Tennessee with much fanfare.
Despite appearing in four games as Milton’s backup during the regular season, Iamaleava’s participation in the bowl game will not burn his redshirt for the season. The bowl game might serve as a sort of coming out celebration for the Vols’ quarterback position for the second year in a row, following Milton’s triumph over Clemson in last year’s Orange Bowl, which provided momentum for the 2023 season.
Tennessee’s offensive strategy will not change with Iamaleava at the helm. However, considering the Hawkeyes’ defensive capabilities, his debut versus Iowa could be difficult in the passing game.
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Following the introduction of Iamaleava, here is some of the reaction to the Citrus Bowl:
According to head coach Josh Heupel, Tennessee never intended to redshirt Iamaleava this season due to his talent level, but it worked out for the Vols due to Milton’s ability to stay healthy and run the offense with fluidity for one of the nation’s top 25 teams.
Going up against one of the nation’s top defenses is one thing for a freshman quarterback with scant experience in the SEC. Iowa’s defense is stingy, rarely misses tackles, and has no trouble getting off the field. A veteran-laden unit keeps explosive plays to a minimum.
Milton said goodbye to the Vols and their fans in a social media post Wednesday morning, according to GoVols247’s Patrick Brown. Milton, a sixth-year senior from Pahokee who played high school football in Orlando, is foregoing the opportunity to play in a de facto homecoming game to focus on the draft.
Local Tennessee media is concerned about the offensive attack’s prospects under Iamaleava, who resembles former All-SEC signal-caller Hendon Hooker more than Milton did this season. Iamaleava has one of the strongest arms in the country, and his pinpoint accuracy helped him earn a five-star ranking in last year’s recruiting season.
This season, veteran Hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz credited him with the team’s trip to the Big Ten championship game.
“Phil Parker is an incredible football coach, and I am extremely pleased that he has been recognized for his career success by the Broyles Committee,” Ferentz said in a press release. “Without Phil’s dedication and leadership, we simply would not have achieved the success we have as a program.” Phil’s expertise and perseverance have served us well since 1999.”
Milton started every game for the Volunteers this season, but there were concerns entering into fall camp about how Heupel would handle quarterback reps with his five-star backup waiting in the wings. The reins have been let out, and this is undoubtedly Iamaleava’s offense going forward in 2024.
Iamaleava appeared in four games this season, with the most action coming in the season finale against Vanderbilt, where he completed 9 of 12 throws for 66 yards. As a rookie, he threw one touchdown pass against UConn in a 59-3 victory in November.
Tennessee, a 7.5-point favorite before Wednesday’s news, will have to score points against a dangerous unit. The Hawkeyes ranked fourth in scoring defense (13.2 points per game allowed), fifth in total defense (274.8 yards per game allowed), second in fewest yards per play allowed (3.99), eighth in passing defense (172.2 yards per game allowed), 13th in red-zone defense (opponents scored on 75% of their trips inside the 20), and 18th in third-down defense (31.6 percent conversion rate for opponents).
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