In a social media post on Wednesday morning, Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III confirmed his decision to opt out of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. Milton, a sixth-year senior, expressed his gratitude to the Vols and their fans while announcing his intention to turn his attention toward the 2024 NFL Draft.

Milton's choice means that exciting freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava will take the reins of Tennessee's offense for the Citrus Bowl, creating an opportunity for the young talent to shine on the field.

Having recently led the Vols to an 8-4 record in his final season, Milton's college career has been a winding journey. After spending three seasons at Michigan, Milton transferred to Tennessee in pursuit of his dreams. Now, he is ready to take the next step in his football journey by preparing for the NFL Draft.

Milton's decision comes as no surprise, as he has been selected to participate in the prestigious Reese's Senior Bowl, an all-star game and NFL Draft showcase for college players. This opportunity will allow him to showcase his skills and solidify his place in the eyes of NFL scouts and analysts.

Acknowledging the role that Tennessee has played in his development, Milton expressed gratitude to his coaches, especially Coach Heup, Coach Halzle, and Coach Mitch. Their guidance and support have not only shaped him as a player but have also helped mold him into a better person.

The quarterback also reflected on his experiences playing inside Neyland Stadium, mentioning the incredible energy, noise, and the iconic "Running Through the T" tradition. Milton expressed his love for his teammates and assured them of his unwavering support, promising to be there for them no matter what.

Milton's statistical achievements during his time at Tennessee speak volumes about his talent and potential. In his final season, he completed nearly 65% of his passes for 2,813 yards with 20 touchdowns and five interceptions. Additionally, he contributed 299 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. These impressive numbers ranked him among the top quarterbacks in the SEC.

Milton's standout performance came in his final college game against Vanderbilt, where he threw a career-high four touchdown passes, amassed 383 passing yards, and added two rushing scores. This memorable game showcased his ability to dominate on the field and marked his first 300-yard passing game as a Volunteer.

ESPN draft analysts Mel Kiper and Jordan Reid have both recognized Milton's potential, ranking him as the No. 10 and No. 11 quarterback, respectively, in the upcoming draft class. These rankings highlight the attention and interest Milton has garnered from NFL scouts and experts.

As the college football season comes to a close, Joe Milton III's decision to opt out of the Citrus Bowl and prepare for the 2024 NFL Draft marks a pivotal moment in his career. With his impressive college resume and the upcoming Reese's Senior Bowl, Milton will have ample opportunities to impress NFL teams and elevate his draft stock. Tennessee fans will undoubtedly continue to support him as he pursues his dreams at the next level.