“Joe Milton Drawing Major Offseason Buzz as He Outperforms Every Other Quarterback in Tennessee’s Loaded and Competitive Quarterback Room”
The 2025 college football offseason is shaping up to be one of intense preparation, internal competition, and rising expectations in Knoxville. And at the center of it all, to the surprise of many outside the program, stands Joe Milton—a veteran signal-caller whose combination of physical gifts and renewed focus has not only caught the attention of coaches and teammates but has positioned him squarely in the middle of the quarterback conversation once again. While much of the national media spotlight remains fixed on the hype surrounding Arch Manning, it’s been Milton who has quietly—and sometimes not so quietly—put together a string of eye-popping offseason performances that have some around the program reevaluating assumptions about Tennessee’s quarterback hierarchy heading into the fall.
Milton, now one of the elder statesmen in the quarterback room, has always possessed tools that defy logic: a rocket arm, a thick and durable frame, surprising speed in the open field, and a level of raw potential few players can match. But consistency has long been the elusive piece in his puzzle. In past years, his flashes of brilliance were often followed by periods of erratic decision-making or mechanical lapses. That inconsistency had, to some extent, left him behind the curve as younger, more polished passers began to climb the depth chart. However, this offseason, Milton has flipped the narrative—and in a big way.
Reports from within the program indicate that Milton has been the most consistent and dynamic quarterback throughout spring practices, summer workouts, and team-organized passing sessions. His command of the offense has improved markedly, and he’s demonstrating sharper footwork, quicker reads, and a willingness to take what the defense gives him—traits that once held him back. Multiple sources have said that he’s not just winning with deep bombs and show-stopping arm strength but with precision on intermediate routes, decisiveness at the line of scrimmage, and leadership in the huddle.
The coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Joey Halzle and quarterbacks coach Mitch Militello, has taken notice. While not officially tipping their hand regarding the starting quarterback for the 2025 season, they’ve publicly acknowledged Milton’s growth and performance, noting that he’s approached this offseason with a level of urgency and professionalism that stands out even in a competitive quarterback room. It’s no secret that the presence of Arch Manning has raised the stakes for everyone involved, but instead of backing down or transferring out, Milton has embraced the challenge—and thrived within it.
One of the most encouraging developments for Milton has been his improved chemistry with Tennessee’s receiving corps. He’s built a particularly strong rapport with upperclassman wideout Squirrel White and sophomore phenom Cam Seldon, consistently hitting them in stride on timing routes and finding them in tight windows during red zone drills. During 7-on-7 sessions, observers noted that Milton often looked like the most in-command quarterback on the field, directing protections, calling audibles, and executing throws with confidence and rhythm. That command has not only helped the offense click during practices, but it’s also fueled belief within the locker room that Milton could be a serious option to lead the team into the season—even in a room filled with younger, high-profile talent.
Milton’s renewed focus can be traced back to a pivotal offseason decision: stay and fight. With eligibility remaining but his path to starting appearing blocked by Arch Manning, many assumed Milton might enter the transfer portal in search of immediate playing time elsewhere. But instead, he chose to remain at Tennessee, betting on himself and his belief that he could still be a difference-maker. That decision has resonated with teammates, who view him as both a competitor and a mentor. Younger quarterbacks on the roster have spoken highly of Milton’s willingness to share knowledge, offer advice, and lead by example, creating a healthy environment of growth and collaboration despite the competitive stakes.
Physically, Milton looks as good as ever. He’s leaned down slightly, enhancing his mobility without sacrificing his signature power. His throwing motion has been tightened—more compact, with a faster release—and his footwork under pressure has shown marked improvement. These mechanical upgrades are the result of an intense offseason training regimen, both on-campus and with private quarterback coaches during the early months of the year. Milton’s focus on the small details, often the separator between good and great quarterbacks, has yielded visible results that are now being noticed by coaches and analysts alike.
From a schematic standpoint, Milton’s skill set fits Tennessee’s offensive system well. The up-tempo, vertical passing attack under Josh Heupel is designed to stress defenses horizontally and vertically, and a quarterback with Milton’s arm strength can stretch the field like few others in the country. But the difference now is that Milton isn’t just looking to throw the deep ball—he’s taking the check-downs, hitting quick hitches, and showing an improved sense of when to pull it down and run. In short, he’s playing smarter football, combining his physical tools with a better understanding of timing, spacing, and situational awareness.
This evolution hasn’t gone unnoticed by those who cover the program closely. Beat writers and insiders have remarked that if games were played tomorrow, Milton would at the very least split reps with Arch Manning—and potentially be the one to take the first snap. While Manning remains the future face of the program, Milton’s experience, poise, and enhanced execution make him an appealing option, especially early in the season when decision-making and ball security will be critical. Tennessee’s coaching staff understands that depth at quarterback is a blessing, not a problem, and Milton’s emergence gives them flexibility and insurance as they navigate the gauntlet of the SEC schedule.
It’s also worth noting that Milton’s leadership has extended beyond the field. He’s taken on a mentorship role not just with quarterbacks, but with the team at large, organizing offseason workouts, team-building events, and even player-only film sessions. He’s become a unifying voice in the locker room—a veteran who has been through the highs and lows of college football and come out stronger on the other side. That leadership, combined with his on-field resurgence, has created genuine momentum around his name heading into fall camp.
There’s a growing belief that Joe Milton’s story may not be finished in Knoxville after all. For a player who’s long been defined by his potential, 2025 could be the year he puts it all together and becomes the player many always believed he could be. Whether he ultimately wins the starting job, splits time, or serves as an invaluable backup, Milton’s offseason performance has already shifted the conversation around Tennessee’s quarterback room—and reminded everyone just how dangerous he can be when everything clicks.
As the Volunteers prepare for what many believe could be a special season, the quarterback position will be under the microscope more than ever. And while the future may belong to Arch Manning, the present might still hold space for Joe Milton—a player reborn, recommitted, and relentlessly pushing toward the peak of his ability. If he continues on this trajectory, the 2025 season could be the chapter in Joe Milton’s career that changes everything. And in doing so, he just might help Tennessee achieve the kind of success that the program—and its fans—have been waiting for.
