Tennessee to start Joe Milton at quarterback in opener

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton will start the Volunteers' season opener Thursday against Bowling Green, coach Josh Heupel confirmed Monday, according to ESPN's Adam Rittenberg.

Milton committed to Tennessee in April after three seasons at Michigan. He competed for the starting role with Virginia Tech transfer Hendon Hooker and sophomore Harrison Bailey.

A former starter for the Wolverines, Milton racked up 1,077 yards and four touchdowns against four interceptions through six appearances last year.

The Volunteers struggled at quarterback in 2020. Jarrett Guarantano led the team with 1,112 yards and six touchdowns through seven appearances. He transferred to Washington State during the offseason.

Tennessee went 3-7 last year. The school fired coach Jeremy Pruitt in January after three seasons with the team following an investigation into potential recruiting violations.