Tennessee Vols fans know that Joe Milton will be UT's starting quarterback in 2023. 

Josh Heupel hasn't officially announced Milton as the starter just yet, but it's not really a necessary action this offseason. It essentially goes without saying that Milton will be the guy for the Vols this fall. 

But because Heupel hasn't made an official announcement, there's a national storyline forming that true freshman Nico Iamaleava has a legitimate shot to earn the job this spring/fall. 

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Part of the reason that narrative has formed is because of some of the glowing remarks from Heupel about Iamaleava during spring practice. 

Heupel has praised Iamaleava multiple times this offseason for his maturity and the way he's fit in seamlessly with Tennessee's culture. 

Iamaleava is poised to be a great player for the Vols. But he's a kid that should still be in high school right now. It would be unfair to expect Nico to beat out a veteran quarterback (who also has elite physical skills) that's entering his third season in Heupel's offense. 

But that hasn't stopped the storyline that there's a "quarterback controversy" at UT from forming. 

Recent comments from Heupel, however, should shut that storyline down. 

After a recent scrimmage, Heupel dialed back the excitement for Nico just a bit. Heupel didn't criticize the former five-star recruit, but he acknowledged that Iamaleava still has a long way to go. 

“Continuing to grow," said Heupel last week when asked about Iamaleava. "A long ways from being where we need him to (be), but that’s understandable. Where he’s at, this part of spring ball, really happy with what he’s done. His work ethic, attention to detail, ability to rebound, and how intentional he is in the way that he works. He continues to get better every time he gets on the field, which is what you want to see from your young guys.”

Heupel was still quick to praise Nico, but he made it clear that the young quarterback still has a lot of developing to do (which is to be expected for any true freshman — especially during spring football). 

The only way Nico sees the field early in the 2023 season will be if Milton suffers an injury (due to transfers, Iamaleava is the primary backup regardless of whether or not he's ready). 

There is no quarterback controversy in Knoxville despite the narrative that the national media wants to push. This is Joe Milton's team. For now, Milton gives the Vols their best shot to win games.