The offseason is always a time for reflection, decisions, and looking ahead to the future, and for Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel, this year’s offseason was no exception. While the team’s 2024 season goals remain a primary focus, one critical decision, in particular, has now become a clear and easy choice for Heupel: the direction of his quarterback room.
Before the start of the offseason, there were a few lingering questions surrounding the Vols’ quarterback situation. With the departure of Hendon Hooker to the NFL, the team found itself with several viable options competing for the starting role. The Vols had Joe Milton, a powerful arm and a veteran presence, ready to take over after a solid finish to the 2023 season. There was also the emergence of talented freshmen and incoming transfers, all hoping to get a shot at leading the Vols in 2024.
However, recent developments have made the decision crystal clear, making it a no-brainer for Heupel to settle on his quarterback for the upcoming season.
The Rise of Joe Milton: A Tale of Redemption and Opportunity
Joe Milton’s career at Tennessee has been filled with highs and lows. Initially joining the Vols as a highly-touted recruit from Michigan, Milton’s first season in Knoxville didn’t quite live up to expectations. He struggled with consistency and accuracy, and it seemed at times that his cannon-like arm was more of a liability than a strength. However, Heupel’s system has always been one that values explosive plays and a dynamic passing game, and Milton’s raw physical tools made him a perfect fit for the system if he could develop the touch and decision-making to match.
Milton’s breakthrough came during the 2023 season, albeit in a limited role. After Hooker went down with an injury in the latter part of the season, Milton was thrust into the starting role. While Tennessee’s offense didn’t miss a beat in terms of explosive plays, Milton’s time under center revealed some of his growth. In key moments, especially in the Vols’ big win over Vanderbilt to close out the regular season, Milton showed an ability to lead the offense effectively. His arm strength was on full display, and he showed that he could throw deep with accuracy and precision, even under pressure.
What made Milton’s performance even more promising was the evolution of his decision-making. He was able to pick apart opposing defenses without forcing throws or getting overly aggressive with his arm. This maturation has been a critical development for Tennessee and its coaching staff. As a result, Milton’s experience and improvement over the course of the 2023 season have solidified his standing as the clear choice for the starting quarterback job heading into 2024.
Heupel’s Offensive System: Tailored for Milton’s Strengths
When Josh Heupel took over as head coach of the Vols, he brought with him an up-tempo, explosive offense that relies on a fast-paced attack and long, downfield throws. The system demands a quarterback with a strong arm, quick decision-making, and the ability to stretch the field vertically. In many ways, Milton’s skill set fits perfectly with Heupel’s offensive philosophy.
Milton’s deep ball ability is arguably one of the best in the country. His arm strength allows him to launch passes downfield with accuracy, something that Tennessee’s offense has thrived on in recent years. While Hooker was able to execute the system with great success, Milton offers an even more potent weapon in terms of his raw arm strength and his ability to push defenses back.
One of the aspects that has made Heupel so successful at Tennessee is his ability to adapt his system to the strengths of his players. Under Heupel, the Vols have produced some of the most explosive offensive numbers in college football, and now, with Milton under center, the offense is primed to take things to another level. The ability to threaten deep passes will open up space for Tennessee’s running backs and give their playmakers more opportunities to make big plays in open space.
The Transfer Portal: Less of a Factor Than Expected
Tennessee’s 2024 quarterback battle was expected to feature some stiff competition from incoming transfers or high-profile recruits. In an era where the transfer portal has become a dominant force in college football, many wondered if Heupel would pursue an established quarterback to push Milton for the starting role. However, the offseason has gone by with minimal rumors about Tennessee’s pursuit of a high-profile transfer quarterback.
Part of the reason for this is the confidence the coaching staff has in Milton’s ability to take control of the offense and deliver results. The presence of backup quarterbacks like Nico Iamaleava, one of the nation’s top recruits, provides additional security at the position. Iamaleava is highly regarded for his potential, but his time to take over will come in due course. Heupel is a coach who values experience and stability, and right now, that stability lies with Milton.
Tennessee’s relative inactivity in the transfer portal also signals their commitment to building from within, trusting in the development of their current roster and the leadership that Milton can bring. While other programs may be scrambling to find a new quarterback, Heupel’s decision to stay the course with Milton allows Tennessee to focus its efforts elsewhere—namely, improving its defense, strengthening the offensive line, and adding depth to other skill positions.
The Stakes for 2024: A Program on the Rise
As Tennessee enters 2024, expectations are high. The Vols are coming off a solid 2023 campaign, and with a veteran quarterback leading the charge, their championship aspirations are realistic. Milton’s emergence as the starting quarterback gives Heupel and the Vols the chance to compete at the highest level in the SEC. The league, as always, will be highly competitive, but with a quarterback who has proven capable of taking the reins, Tennessee is in a prime position to challenge for an SEC title.
With the decision to stick with Milton as the starter, Heupel has solidified his team’s direction for 2024. His focus can now shift to improving the defense, strengthening the running game, and ensuring that the offense stays in rhythm.
In college football, the quarterback position is often the most critical decision a coach can make, and Heupel has now made the decision that, while it may have been tough at one point, is now crystal clear. Joe Milton is the man to lead Tennessee in 2024.
Conclusion
As the offseason progresses and Tennessee prepares for the 2024 season, one thing is certain: Heupel’s decision on who will start at quarterback is no longer a question. The answer is Joe Milton, and it’s not just a good decision—it’s a no-brainer. With Milton under center, Tennessee has a dynamic playmaker who fits perfectly into Heupel’s offensive system. Now, the focus shifts to ensuring that the Vols can surround Milton with the support he needs to thrive and help lead Tennessee to even greater success in the SEC and beyond. The Vols are on the rise, and their quarterback situation, once a source of uncertainty, is now firmly in place.