Joe Milton decide to ……..

After six college football seasons (three of them in Knoxville), Joe Milton’s college career is over. The Vols quarterback announced on Instagram he will not be playing against No. 16 Iowa in the Citrus Bowl, and will instead begin preparation for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Playing in Milton’s stead will be elite 2023 recruit Nico Iamaleava, who will have a staunch test against the Hawkeye defense. Though Milton’s stat sheet is far from sparkling, the quarterback has a big arm and has markedly improved during his tenure in Knoxville. Milton became the full-time starter for 2023 and amassed 2,813 yards with 20 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Here’s what to know about Milton’s decision to move forward in his career:

Milton opted out of the Citrus Bowl in order to prepare for the 2024 NFL Draft, where he is projected as the 10th quarterback, according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper.

While this year’s draft doesn’t have the top-end talent of 2023, it does have depth to it. Milton only adds to it.

Milton’s withdraw will also allow Vols fans to see Iamaleava in meaningful action for the first time, something Tennessee has been clamoring for throughout the 2023 season. Iamaleava was the No. 3 recruit in the country for the class of 2023, according to 247Sports Composite, and will be up against one of the top defenses in the country in Iowa.

The Hawkeyes rank fifth nationally in allowing only 274.8 yards per game; they rank fourth nationally in scoring defense (13.2 points per game).