Josh Heupel understands Joe Milton will not be playing in the Citrus Bowl. However, Heupel still believes his quarterback can have an impact from the sidelines.

During a Sunday press conference, Heupel met with the media to discuss Tennessee’s bowl matchup with Iowa. Though Milton started in the regular season, he has opted out of the game, and freshman Nico Iamaleava will get the start.

Heupel praised Milton for sticking with the program despite not playing. The head coach specifically cited Milton’s belief in his teammates and the trajectory of the program.

“Joe has done it the right way during the course of his career. You look at how everything has unfolded, he is a guy that chose to stay. Believed in his teammates what we were building, and how his coaching staff and players around him were going to help him grow as a player,” said Heupel. “Did a lot of really great things during the course of the season.”

As for Monday’s game, Heupel confirmed Milton will be on the sidelines with the team. He cited the QB’s voice and leadership to help guide Iamaleava throughout the performance whenever there is a break in the action.

“He has been a huge impact on our program for game day on Monday. Be another voice to help Nico as he comes off the sidelines, things that are going on,” Heupel explained. “Being able to help him get ready for the next set and also create positive energy.

“Besides being the quarterback on the field, throwing the football, making decisions, every other part of his roles that he has had during the course of the year he can still have on the sideline.”