“Tennessee TE Miles Kitselman Weighs In on Quarterback Battle, Embraces Competitive Fire Ahead of 2025 Season”
The Tennessee Volunteers are entering the 2025 season with a roster full of talent, ambition, and intrigue. While many eyes are locked on the impending quarterback battle that could shape the team’s destiny in the SEC, one of the more thoughtful voices in the locker room has emerged from an unexpected place: tight end Miles Kitselman. Known for his hard-nosed playing style and blue-collar work ethic, Kitselman recently shared candid thoughts on the quarterback competition and what competition itself means to him and the rest of the Vols. His words did more than just analyze the QB depth chart—they reflected the culture Josh Heupel has instilled in Knoxville, a culture built around intensity, opportunity, and brotherhood.
Kitselman, a senior transfer who originally played at Alabama before finding a more defined role at Tennessee, has become both a physical presence on the field and a philosophical one off it. When asked about the highly anticipated quarterback battle set to unfold between standout Nico Iamaleava and transfer quarterback Brady Cook from Missouri, Kitselman didn’t mince words. He spoke with a blend of confidence and maturity, signaling that no matter who emerges as the starter, the entire team is behind the process and fully committed to the larger goal. For Kitselman, competition is not a threat—it’s a blessing. It’s the crucible where great teams are forged, and complacency is burned away.
His remarks weren’t just lip service. Kitselman made it clear that the locker room is filled with players who embrace internal competition, recognizing it as a driver of personal and collective growth. “Competition is what makes this game great,” he said in a recent press conference. “If you’re afraid of competing, you’re in the wrong place. And if you’re not willing to push your brother to be better, and expect the same in return, you’re not really helping the team.” That mindset speaks volumes about where the Vols are heading—not just with regard to who takes snaps under center, but how every position group approaches their job.
The quarterback competition between Iamaleava and Cook is already drawing attention across college football. Iamaleava, the former five-star recruit who dazzled in limited action last year, brings elite arm talent, mobility, and charisma. Meanwhile, Cook arrives in Knoxville with a resume that includes SEC experience, strong leadership qualities, and a poise that can’t be coached. Some see Iamaleava as the future of the program, while others point to Cook’s track record as a safer option in the short term. But to Kitselman, it’s not about choosing sides—it’s about ensuring that whoever earns the job has truly fought for it and won it on merit.
His measured approach to the QB battle serves as a rallying cry for the team’s broader identity. Tennessee is not just relying on hype or headlines; they are relying on a relentless pursuit of improvement. Kitselman reflected on his own journey and how competition helped mold him into the player he is today. From scout team reps to battling for depth chart recognition, every rep mattered. “When you go through battles like I have—transferring, earning your role, learning new systems—you start to appreciate the grind,” he said. “It’s not about where you start. It’s about how you respond.”
This sentiment reverberates throughout the Tennessee football facility. Josh Heupel’s coaching philosophy is rooted in competition—not just for playing time, but for respect, for execution, for excellence. Heupel has always emphasized tempo, aggression, and adaptability. None of those traits can flourish in a complacent environment. By fostering a culture where every practice feels like a proving ground, Heupel has laid the foundation for sustainable success, and Kitselman is one of the veterans who clearly understands that vision.
On the practice field, the quarterback reps are being watched closely. Wide receivers are adjusting to both QBs, running backs are learning cadence variations, and offensive linemen are paying attention to subtle leadership styles. Kitselman, often operating as a safety valve or red zone weapon, is uniquely positioned to observe what makes each quarterback tick. He praised both Iamaleava’s creativity and Cook’s command, noting that the team’s confidence is high no matter who wins the job. “It’s a great situation to have,” he noted. “Two guys who can lead, two guys who want it bad, and a team that’s going to rally behind whoever gets the nod.”
For a tight end like Kitselman, the quarterback situation can directly impact production. Chemistry with the QB, understanding timing routes, knowing when to break off a route or stay in for protection—it’s all part of the package. But Kitselman insists that his job doesn’t change. His goal remains the same: block when called upon, catch when given the opportunity, and bring intensity every snap. He emphasized the tight end group’s dedication to being versatile weapons in both the pass and run game, something that can ease the transition for whoever wins the quarterback spot.
More broadly, Kitselman’s remarks underscore a reality many forget when talking about quarterback competitions: it’s not just about the two or three players in contention. It’s about how the entire roster responds. If the locker room divides or starts playing favorites, a potentially great season can unravel quickly. But if the team buys in, if they understand the bigger picture, that kind of competition can galvanize a squad and sharpen its edge. So far, all signs point to the Vols choosing the latter path.
Beyond his comments on the quarterbacks, Kitselman also opened up about competition in general—how it has shaped him, what it reveals about teammates, and why it must be embraced rather than avoided. He mentioned younger players pushing veterans in drills, players studying extra film to earn reps, and a general hunger that has permeated the team this offseason. “It’s not just about Saturdays,” he said. “It’s about every lift, every walkthrough, every meeting. That’s where the real competition happens. And that’s where we’re setting ourselves apart.”
Kitselman’s insights speak to the quiet leadership that can sometimes fly under the radar. Not every leader has to be the loudest voice or the most visible star. Sometimes, leadership is about setting the tone with consistency, honesty, and effort. He might not be the face of the program, but he’s undoubtedly one of its pillars. His experience at multiple programs gives him a unique vantage point on what makes a team work—and he clearly sees something special brewing in Knoxville.
The Vols are chasing more than just a division title this year. With expanded playoffs and national expectations rising, Tennessee is positioning itself to be a real contender. The defense has reloaded, the offensive line is deeper, and the skill positions are brimming with talent. But in college football, it always comes back to the quarterback—and how the team responds to that dynamic. Kitselman’s grounded perspective offers assurance that no matter who takes the first snap, the Vols are focused, unified, and hungry.
In an era where player movement, social media hype, and NIL headlines can sometimes distract from the grind, Kitselman is a refreshing throwback. He’s a football guy through and through, and his comments offer a window into a Tennessee program that is doing more than just talking—they’re working. They’re competing. And they’re embracing the uncertainty of a quarterback battle not as a problem to solve, but as an opportunity to grow.
As fall camp approaches, the countdown begins. Coaches will watch every throw, every read, every huddle. Teammates will push one another, not just for playing time, but for accountability. And players like Miles Kitselman will continue to reinforce the mindset that separates contenders from pretenders. Whether it’s Iamaleava or Cook—or even a surprise dark horse—the Tennessee quarterback will inherit not just a talented offense, but a team fully prepared to compete for every inch. That’s the message Kitselman is helping to spread, and that’s the fire the Vols will bring to every game in 2025.
