Tennessee Vols fans get a late Christmas present

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated Dec 27, 2023 1:07 PM ET

Tennessee Vols fans received a late Christmas present on Wednesday.

Redshirt senior quarterback Joe Milton announced on Wednesday morning that he's opting out of the Citrus Bowl which paves the way for true freshman Nico Iamaleava's first career college start.

"Playing inside Club Neyland was amazing - the energy, the noise and especially Running Through the "T". I'm going to miss it all," wrote Milton in an Instagram post. "Playing in the NFL has always been my dream since I was 4 years old. Now it's time to turn those dreams into reality as I begin preparing for the 2024 NFL Draft."

Milton started 16 games for the Vols over the last three seasons. Tennessee won 11 of those starts.

To be clear, the "Christmas present" for Tennessee fans isn't that Milton won't be playing in the Citrus Bowl against Iowa. Milton should forever be a fan favorite on Rocky Top. He truly gave his all for Tennessee. And I don't think there's any doubt that he was more than capable of leading the Vols to a win over the Hawkeyes.

The gift is that fans finally get to see, Iamaleava, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class, get his first career start.

“Guys believe in him. Guys know he’s talented, but they know that he works hard, too” — Josh Heupel on Nico Iamaleava (: The Josh Heupel Show) pic.twitter.com/bSZA9wIpJY
— zach ragan (@zachtnt) November 29, 2023

Nico saw limited action for the Vols during the regular season, playing mostly in mop-up duty when most of the starters were already out of the game.

Milton's decision to opt-out gives Tennessee's offense a head start on the 2024 season. And fans will get a sneak peek of what Nico can offer as an SEC starter.

Tennessee and Iowa are set to face each other at 1:00 PM ET on New Year's Day in Orlando.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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