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Senior Justin Worley will be the starting quarterback for Tennessee when the Vols open the 2014 season against Utah State on Aug. 31.
Butch Jones made the decision official at a press conference on Thursday, saying that Worley "is playing the best football of his career."
"Right now Justin Worley gives this football team and this football program the best opportunity to win," Jones said via GoVols247.
Worley beat out Joshua Dobbs and Nathan Peterman for the job, which was up for grabs after a season of inconsistent quarterbacking. Worley completed 55.6 percent of his passes with 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions, but a thumb injury ended his season in late October.
Jones praised Worley's leadership, which has become helpful given the youth on Tennessee's roster.
JONES: @WorleyBird_14 has been a leader, he's been very vocal. When you manage the football, it's a matter of seconds. He's managed that.
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) August 14, 2014
JONES: @WorleyBird_14 has seen it all. A lot of those lessons can be applied to our younger players. He brings it every day.
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) August 14, 2014
Chuckie Keeton will lead Utah State into Neyland Stadium for a Sunday night season-opener against the Volunteers.
