For the first time in 15 games, Tennessee will feature a new starting quarterback in its Cheez-It Citrus Bowl clash with Iowa on New Year’s Day.
Joe Milton III is out after announcing on Wednesday that he was shifting his focus to the 2024 NFL Draft and skipping the bowl game, paving the way for highly touted freshman Nico Iamaleava, who is set to make his first career start.
Iamaleava appeared in four games during the regular season, accounting for 163 yards and one touchdown on 16-of-26 passing.
Tennessee (8-4) arrived in Orlando on Tuesday, beginning the last stretch of its preparation for a Hawkeyes (10-2) team that ranks top 10 nationally in total defense, presenting the Vols’ new-look offense, which will also be without 1,000-yard rusher Jaylen Wright.
Head coach Josh Heupel met with the media for the first time since Milton’s announcement following the team’s practice at UCF.
Here is everything Heupel said about Iamaleava’s first start.
Tennessee (8-4) arrived in Orlando on Tuesday, beginning the last stretch of its preparation for a Hawkeyes (10-2) team that ranks top 10 nationally in total defense, presenting the Vols’ new-look offense, which will also be without 1,000-yard rusher Jaylen Wright.
Head coach Josh Heupel met with the media for the first time since Milton’s announcement following the team’s practice at UCF.
Here is everything Heupel said about Iamaleava’s first start.
