Engagement Gets Millions of Reactions: Tennessee Quarterback Joe Milton III Engages Lady Vols Basketball Star Isabella in a Heartwarming Moment That Captivated the Nation
By Volunteer State News Staff | June 8, 2025 | Knoxville, TN
In a storybook moment that melted hearts across the nation and sent social media into a frenzy, Tennessee Volunteers football quarterback Joe Milton III and Lady Vols basketball standout Isabella “Izzy” Harrington have officially announced their engagement, creating one of the most talked-about love stories in modern collegiate athletics. What began as a sweet campus romance now blossoms into a union of two of the University of Tennessee’s most iconic athletes—and fans from Knoxville to coast-to-coast can’t stop talking about it.
The announcement, made on Sunday morning through a joint Instagram reel that featured Joe on one knee beneath the Neyland Stadium lights, instantly went viral. Within hours, the post had surpassed 4 million views and 1.8 million likes, with congratulations pouring in from every corner of the sports world, the university community, and beyond.
> “I said yes to forever with my best friend, my quarterback on and off the field,” Isabella captioned the post, with a glowing smile and a sparkling diamond ring in full view.
“Neyland was where our story began… and now it’s where the next chapter starts.”
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💍 The Proposal That Shook Neyland
Sources close to the couple revealed that Joe had been planning the proposal for months, coordinating with Tennessee Athletics staff to get exclusive access to Neyland Stadium during an early morning window, just as the sun was beginning to rise over the Great Smoky Mountains.
> “We met here. We trained here. We built everything here,” Joe said in an exclusive interview with VolNation Daily. “It only made sense to start our forever in the same place that brought us together.”
Friends, family, and a handful of teammates were hiding in the tunnel and erupted in cheers as Isabella said yes, completely overwhelmed with emotion. Former teammates of both athletes flew in to witness the moment—including Hendon Hooker and Rae Burrell, underscoring the deep camaraderie between Tennessee’s athletic programs.
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🌟 Who Are Joe and Isabella?
Joe Milton III, the rocket-armed quarterback from Pahokee, Florida, transferred to Tennessee from Michigan and made an indelible mark on the program. Known for his cannon of an arm, unshakable leadership, and affable personality, Milton led the Vols through some of their most thrilling offensive displays in recent history. Though he completed his final season in 2023, his legacy remains woven into the identity of Tennessee football.
Isabella Harrington, a 6’0” guard/forward hybrid from Clarksville, Tennessee, emerged as a cornerstone of Lady Vols basketball over the last three seasons. Known for her fiery competitiveness, lockdown defense, and clutch three-point shooting, Izzy was a fan favorite and a vocal leader on and off the court. She graduated this past spring with a degree in kinesiology and will begin her master’s in sports psychology this fall.
> “Isabella is a legend in her own right,” Lady Vols head coach Kellie Harper said. “She’s everything a Lady Vol should be: tough, smart, kind, and fearless.”
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🧡 The Beginning of Their Love Story
The pair reportedly met during a campus charity event in early 2022, a Vols United fundraiser at Thompson-Boling Arena. According to friends, they immediately clicked.
> “She handed him a basketball and challenged him to shoot from half court. He bricked it,” laughed Vols wide receiver Bru McCoy. “And he’s been chasing her ever since.”
They quickly became one of Knoxville’s most beloved couples, often spotted at sporting events supporting each other, volunteering at children’s hospitals, and appearing in community outreach events.
> “Joe brings out the calm in me,” Isabella once said. “And I bring out the fun in him.”
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📱 Reactions from the Sports World
It didn’t take long for the internet to go wild. Celebrities, athletes, and even national media figures chimed in on the proposal:
ESPN’s Laura Rutledge: “Just when you think college sports can’t get any more emotional… congratulations Joe & Izzy 💍🏈🏀 #VolsForever”
Peyton Manning: “You two define what it means to be a Tennessee Volunteer. Wishing you a lifetime of joy and championship moments!”
Pat Summitt Foundation (via Twitter): “Izzy carries on Pat’s legacy of strength and grace. We’re proud of you both.”
Even Coach Josh Heupel posted a heartfelt message:
> “Joe, you’ve always been a leader on the field. Now you get to lead in love. Proud of you both.”
And from Coach Harper:
> “Izzy, you’ve inspired every girl in orange to dream big and love fiercely. So happy for you and Joe.”
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💫 What Comes Next?
While Joe is exploring NFL opportunities and potential media ventures, Isabella has hinted at pursuing both coaching and broadcasting roles. However, sources close to the couple say their wedding will likely take place next summer, with Knoxville being the probable location—“a celebration with Vol Nation,” as they described it.
The couple has also announced their intention to launch a non-profit called “Two Hearts, One Hill”, aimed at providing mentorship and resources to student-athletes navigating the pressures of college sports and relationships.
> “If we can help just one young athlete feel seen, heard, and supported… it’s worth it,” Isabella said.
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🧡 A Love That Defines a Generation
In an era where collegiate sports are more competitive—and scrutinized—than ever, Joe Milton III and Isabella Harrington represent the heart of what makes Tennessee great: commitment, resilience, humility, and a deep-rooted love for each other and their community.
> “This isn’t just an engagement,” said former teammate Jabari Small. “This is a union of two Tennessee legends. Their love story is going to be told for decades.”
In Neyland’s golden light, with the Power T glowing in the background and a sea of digital confetti pouring through comments and reposts, Joe and Isabella didn’t just get engaged—they reminded everyone why we fall in love with college sports in the first place.
This isn’t just a viral moment. It’s history in orange and white.
And for Vol Nation, it’s the fairytale they never knew they needed.
Rocky Top forever, and now… together.
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