Former Tennessee Vols QB Has ‘Strong Chance’ to Win Starting QB Job for the 2025 Season

In the world of college football, the quest for the starting quarterback position is often the most scrutinized and talked-about storyline. For a program as storied as the University of Tennessee Volunteers, the competition for the quarterback spot is always a headline-grabber. But the upcoming 2025 season may bring a unique and intriguing twist to the Vols’ quarterback battle.

A former Tennessee Vols quarterback, a player who once left a significant mark on the program, is being touted as having a “strong chance” to reclaim the starting role. While the specifics of the competition and the eventual winner are yet to be determined, the mere mention of this player’s potential return is enough to stir excitement, speculation, and anticipation among fans, analysts, and the coaching staff alike.

The quarterback position has long been a critical part of the success and identity of Tennessee’s football program. From legendary quarterbacks such as Peyton Manning, who helped elevate the program’s profile to national prominence in the 1990s, to more recent stars like Hendon Hooker, the Vols have a rich tradition of producing talented quarterbacks. The upcoming battle for the starting job in 2025 could very well continue this legacy, with a former player looking to take center stage once again.

A Look Back: The Vols’ Recent Quarterback Situation

Before we delve into the specifics of the 2025 quarterback battle, it’s important to understand the context surrounding Tennessee’s quarterback situation in recent years. Over the past decade, the Vols have been in a period of transition, with several quarterbacks coming and going, none of them truly solidifying their place in the history books until Hendon Hooker arrived.

Hooker, who transferred to Tennessee from Virginia Tech, quickly became the heart and soul of the team. His dual-threat ability, leadership, and poise in big moments helped elevate the Vols to new heights. Under Hooker’s guidance, Tennessee’s offense became one of the most explosive in the country, and the team competed for the Southeastern Conference (SEC) title. His tenure at Tennessee revitalized the program and set a high bar for future quarterbacks.

However, as with any football program, players come and go. With Hooker’s departure and the graduation of several key contributors, Tennessee faced uncertainty at the quarterback position heading into the 2024 season. The coaching staff, led by head coach Josh Heupel, knew that they needed to identify a new leader for the offense, someone who could carry on the success built under Hooker’s reign.

The 2024 season saw a mix of quarterbacks vying for the starting role, but none of them were able to fully separate themselves as the definitive choice. Some showed flashes of brilliance, while others struggled with consistency. Tennessee’s coaching staff knew that it had to find someone who could not only manage the offense but elevate it to new levels.

This is where the former Vols quarterback, now rumored to be in the mix for the starting role in 2025, comes into the picture. His

 

name may not immediately ring bells for all fans, but his history with the program, combined with his potential to develop further, has many believing that he could be the one to take the reins.

Enter the Former Vols QB: A Familiar Name, A New Opportunity

The former Tennessee Vols quarterback in question is none other than Joe Milton III, a highly regarded signal-caller who transferred to Tennessee from Michigan in 2021. Milton, who possesses one of the most powerful arms in college football, had a somewhat tumultuous career at Tennessee but showed enough promise to keep fans and coaches hopeful about his potential.

Milton’s time at Tennessee began with a sense of anticipation. He was brought in to be the successor to Hendon Hooker, and many believed that Milton’s physical gifts—particularly his cannon arm and mobility—would allow him to excel in Josh Heupel’s high-octane, pass-heavy offense. However, his tenure as the starting quarterback for the Vols was not without its struggles. He struggled with consistency and accuracy in the passing game, which led to him being benched in favor of Hooker.

Despite being relegated to a backup role, Milton’s journey did not end there. He remained a critical part of the team, continuing to develop and learn under Heupel’s system. His athleticism and raw talent were undeniable, and his potential was evident whenever he stepped onto the field in relief of Hooker. In fact, Milton had some memorable moments as a backup, most notably in Tennessee’s dominant 2023 Citrus Bowl victory over Iowa, where he threw for 213 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his ability to make explosive plays down the field.

Now, as the Vols look to the future, Milton’s name has re-entered the conversation as a legitimate candidate to claim the starting quarterback job for the 2025 season. Many believe that the time is right for him to take full control of the offense and showcase the talent that made him a highly sought-after recruit coming out of high school.

Why Milton Has a “Strong Chance” in 2025

There are several reasons why Joe Milton has a “strong chance” to win the starting quarterback role for Tennessee in 2025. While some may be skeptical given his past struggles, there are several factors working in his favor:

1. Experience in Heupel’s System

One of the most important factors in Milton’s favor is his familiarity with Tennessee’s offensive system. Heupel’s fast-paced, pass-heavy offense requires quarterbacks to process information quickly and make accurate throws on the move. Milton has had ample time to learn the intricacies of this system and is now fully capable of running the offense at a high level. The 2025 season will be the third year in Heupel’s system for Milton, which should give him a deeper understanding of the offense’s nuances and allow him to make quicker decisions on the field.

2. Improved Accuracy and Decision-Making

One of the key criticisms of Milton’s game has been his accuracy and decision-making under pressure. While his arm strength has never been questioned, his ability to place the ball accurately in tight windows has been inconsistent. However, there are signs that Milton has made significant strides in this area. Reports from spring practices and scrimmages indicate that Milton has been working hard to refine his mechanics, and his accuracy has shown improvement. If he can continue to improve in this regard, he will be much more capable of thriving in Heupel’s system and leading the Vols to success.

3. The Supporting Cast

Another reason why Milton has a strong chance to win the starting job is the talent surrounding him. Tennessee’s offense remains one of the most dynamic in college football, with a wealth of skill position players at his disposal. The Vols have a strong receiving corps, led by veterans and young stars alike, and the offensive line has been solidified with experienced players. With a supporting cast that includes playmakers capable of turning any pass into a touchdown, Milton will have the tools to succeed if he can put the ball in the right places.

4. His Physical Tools

It’s hard to ignore Milton’s sheer physical gifts. His arm strength is one of the strongest in college football, and his ability to make throws at every level of the field is remarkable. He has the potential to make throws that few other quarterbacks in college football can make, and his ability to stretch the field with deep passes is a dangerous weapon. Heupel’s offense is designed to exploit the deep ball, and Milton’s ability to deliver explosive passes will be a key asset in making Tennessee’s offense even more potent.

5. The Coaching Staff’s Faith in Milton

Throughout his time at Tennessee, Joe Milton has had the unwavering support of his coaching staff. Head coach Josh Heupel has been consistent in his praise of Milton’s work ethic, leadership, and potential. Heupel has emphasized Milton’s growth over the years and has expressed confidence that Milton can take the next step in his development. This belief from the coaching staff is a crucial factor in Milton’s chances to start in 2025, as the team’s leadership will play a significant role in shaping the quarterback competition.

The Competition

Of course, Milton’s path to the starting job will not be without competition. Several other quarterbacks will also be vying for the role in 2025. Some of the most promising candidates include true freshmen, other transfers, and returning players who have shown flashes of talent. The competition will be fierce, but Milton’s experience, physical tools, and familiarity with the system make him a formidable contender.