The early signing period for college football starts Wednesday but Tennessee got the biggest news it could have hoped for on Sunday afternoon.

Starting quarterback Hendon Hooker announced via Twitter that he would be returning to Knoxville for another season.

While Hooker is technically a senior, he’ll be taking advantage of the NCAA’s COVID-19 eligibility rule to play an additional season.

Hooker didn’t begin the season as the Vols’ starter, but when he got his chance after an injury to Joe Milton the Virginia Tech transfer seized control of the job.

The 6-4, 218-pounder from Greensboro, North Carolina, completed 180-of-261 passes for 2,567 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions during the regular season. He also added 561 yards and 5 scores on the ground.

Tennessee, which is 7-5 on the season, will play Purdue in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 30.