‘I wouldn’t say I lost the starting job:’ Tennessee QB Joe Milton details decision not to transfer
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Nobody would have called Joe Milton III crazy if he had decided to transfer following the 2021-22 season.
The former Michigan signal caller transferred to Rocky Top in what seemed like a perfect position to take over the starting job following the departure of Jarrett Guarantano to Washington State. He made it one and a half games before being replaced at halftime against Pitt in Week 2 following an injury.
Virginia Tech transfer Hendon Hooker turned into a star in Milton’s brief absence, throwing for 31 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions for the rest of the season. He’s a dark horse Heisman candidate and the all-but-guaranteed starter for Josh Heupel and Tennessee heading into Year 2 of his regime.
Milton knows all that. But transfer?
“For what?” Milton said Sunday, via Mike Wilson of the Knoxville News Sentinel. “No reason to (transfer). I am having fun. I am learning something new every day. I am enjoying life.”
Milton has 2 seasons of eligibility remaining and will outlast Hooker on Rocky Top. Regardless, he still sees the starter role as a competition and something to work towards moving forward.
“I wouldn’t say I lost the starting job, “Milton said. “In life you face a lot of adversity. You want to kind of find your way through tough things in life.”
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
