Brian Maurer hasn’t been practicing with the Tennessee football team lately after he was basically ruled out of the Vols’ starting QB battle.

The battle continues between Hendon Hooker, Joe Milton and Harrison Bailey, and many fans and media expected Maurer to enter the transfer portal.

On Thursday afternoon, that move became official. Below, Maurer posted a message to Twitter, thanking fans, coaches, teammates and staff members before announcing he was entering the portal:

Maurer’s letter reads:

Vol nation,

Thank you for allowing a kid from little Ocala, Florida, to call this amazing place home for the last 2 1/2 years. Playing in front of 102,455 has been the biggest blessing I could have ever asked for. Tennessee truly has the best fans in the country.

I would also like to thank both staffs for the opportunity to compete at the highest of levels there is in college football.

Thank you to Jeronimo Boche, D. Klenck and all of the other training staff members who have assisted me in staying healthy.

To my former and current teammates, thank you for being the brothers I never had growing up. Thank you for being the best teammates every day and thank you for forming relationships that will last a lifetime. I wouldn’t want to shed blood, sweat and tears with anyone else. I will truly cherish it for the rest of my life.

After a lot of thought and prayer, I have decided to enter my name in the transfer portal and pursue other opportunities.

Where Maurer ends up next remains to be seen.