It’s official: Joe Milton III will not suit up for No. 21 Tennessee in the Citrus Bowl against No. 17 Iowa.

Five-star freshman Nico Iamaleava will make the start for the Vols against the Hawkeyes on New Year’s Day in Orlando. Iamaleva has completed 61.5 percent of his passes (16 of 26) for 163 yards and a TD in four games.

Milton, a Michigan transfer, threw for 2,813 yards with 20 touchdowns and five interceptions in his final season. He will be in Mobile for the Senior Bowl.

“Playing in the NFL has always been my dream since I was 4 years old,” Milton wrote. “Now it’s time to turn those dreams into reality as I begin preparing for the 2024 NFL Draft. Thanks Vol Nation for everything.”

Among those who have opted out of the game for the Vols, per College Football Network:

• Tamarion McDonald, DB (transfer portal)
• De’Shawn Rucker, CB (transfer portal)
• Doneiko Slaughter, CB (transfer portal)
• Tyler Baron, EDGE (transfer portal)
• Connor Meadows, iOL (transfer portal)
• Addison Nichols, iOL (transfer portal)
• Brandon Turnage, DB (transfer portal)
• Jack Luttrell, DB (transfer portal)
• Mo Clipper Jr., iOL (transfer portal)
• Warren Burrell, CB (transfer portal)

The Citrus Bowl will kick off at noon on Jan. 1 from Orlando.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.