Joe Milton III Placed Among SEC Heisman Contenders

Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton III has been anointed as a select group of SEC football players who could win the 2023 Heisman Trophy.

The expectations are high for Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III. After we saw what head coach Josh Heupel accomplished with Hendon Hooker over the past two years, it's reasonable to expect a jump from Milton. He's tossed ten touchdowns without an interception during his time with the Vols, a far cry from the passer we saw struggle with the Michigan Wolverines.

The physical attributes are tantalizing. The 6-5, 245-pound frame with the best arm in college football. There isn't a throw Milton can't make, but the question has always been if he WILL make them. Many assume he will play this season, so he has been thrown around as a dark horse for the 2023 Heisman Trophy. For reference, the last eleven quarterbacks to win the Heisman became first-round picks, with current USC quarterback Caleb Williams primed to up that number to twelve. Winning a Heisman would mean Milton had a tremendous season and likely has a top-ten grade from NFL evaluators. On3 dove into the SEC's five most likely Heisman candidates, and Milton saw himself among elite companies. You can read their article here.

1. Jayden Daniels, LSU QB
2. Brock Browers, Georgia TE
3. Quinshon Judkins, Ole Miss RB
4. Joe Milton III, Tennessee QB
5. Carson Beck, Georgia QB

Daniels comes away as the early SEC front-runner, which is an understandable decision. The Heisman has become a quarterback award; a skill position player must do much to be considered. Daniels delivered a strong season, giving LSU the best season since quarterback Joe Burrow led them to a national championship. Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins is a strong bet for the award; he totaled 1,567 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns as a true freshman. Georgia's offensive revolution continues with quarterback Carson Beck and is spearheaded by all-world tight end Brock Bowers. Yet, Milton could see a meteoric rise and climb to the top of this list by year's end.

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