Former Tennessee Quarterback Shines in Dallas Cowboys Preseason Win

The former UT product put on an absolute show in the Dallas Cowboys' second preseason contest.

Aug 22, 2026; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III (10) throws a pass in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Tennessee Volunteers have had a flurry of quarterbacks make the National Football League, and one of the more recent QBs made a major impact in the NFL preseason. Joe Milton III, who had spent three seasons with the Volunteers, showed out for the Dallas Cowboys.

The NFL preseason is a time when players who are on the roster bubble for their teams or are just trying to get some seasoning before the regular season gets underway. MIlton III is fighting to be the Dallas Cowboys' backup quarterback to Dak Prescott, and MIlton III proved his case.

The former Tennessee product really showed up and showed out against the Arizona Cardinals in the preseason. Milton III completed 9-of-13 passes for 179 passing yards and three touchdowns in the game.

The former Volunteer was really showing the Cardinals what he could do and that he was here to stay in the league and officially earn the backup quarterback job in Dallas. Milton III spent parts of his time at Tennessee as a backup to now-NFLer Hendon Hooker and as a starter.

Milton III is going to make a name for himself in the NFL if the circumstances allow it. Milton III has the arm talent that he was able to show coach Josh Heupel in his time at UT, he just needs the chance to prove it.

Milton and Hooker Rotating in for Each Other Showed UT All They Needed Enroute to the NFL

Aug 13, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Hendon Hooker (16) looks to pass in the fourth quarter during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Milton III and Hooker both suffered injuries during their time at Tennessee and rotated in as the starter for each other when both went down with injuries. And now that both are in the NFL and with different teams, as Hooker is with the Tennessee Titans, they are both trying to prove themselves on the big stage.

Both are at different points in their careers, as Hooker has been on the Detroit Lions and other teams in the NFL, and Milton was also with the New England Patriots in the past. But Hooker has been in the NFL a little bit longer than Milton has.

Both are trying to prove that they belong and that they deserve the backup jobs in Dallas and Tennessee. But both showed Tennessee and their fans that they were worth taking a chance on, and fans will remember what they gave to the university and how much effort each showed night in and night out.