‘I wouldn’t rule that out at Tennessee’ – National analyst suggests an unexpected QB scenario could be in play for the Vols
The Tennessee Vols are expected to have a new starting quarterback in 2026.
The Tennessee Vols will likely have a new starting quarterback for the fifth time in six seasons under Josh Heupel in 2026.
For now, the Vols are set to enter the 2026 season with three quarterback options — redshirt freshman George MacIntyre, true freshman Faizon Brandon, and Colorado Buffaloes transfer Ryan Staub.
It’s possible that Joey Aguilar, the Vols’ starting quarterback in 2025, could return in 2026 — if he’s granted an additional season of eligibility (a hearing is set for Feb. 10). But that scenario is viewed as unlikely.
Could Tennessee still add another quarterback to its roster?
The NCAA transfer portal closed in January. If the Vols want to add another quarterback to their roster, it would, in theory, have to be a player who’s already in the portal. Tennessee, though, has already evaluated those options.
But what if there’s still a way that Tennessee could land a quarterback without using the portal?
On3’s JD PicKell suggested over the weekend that this scenario could be in play for the Vols.
“I’m not sold yet on this idea that there’s not going to be movement, roster-wise, during that spring period,” said PicKell. “Because remember — now we’re down to one portal window. But I don’t know that if Tennessee doesn’t have someone they love at the quarterback position after spring practice wraps up, that they won’t still find a way to have a different individual in that room to help them in 2026.
“Because I know the portal doesn’t exist, whatever. I think there’s going to be some guys that lose position battles, or see themselves in a position to not be the guy going forward on their respective roster and say, ‘You know what? I know there’s no portal (that’s open), but I’m still a college student. College students unenroll from school and then re-enroll at other places. The portal is not real. I’m just going to unenroll and join another school.’ Does that happen? I don’t know, but I’m just saying I wouldn’t rule that out at Tennessee. I wouldn’t rule it out anywhere across college football — regardless of what the calendar says about the portal being open or not being open.”
We’ll see what happens with Tennessee’s quarterback battle through spring practice. It’s certainly possible that Josh Heupel and his staff could fall in love with MacIntyre or Brandon as the starter. Or maybe they decide they need a better option for 2026. If the latter happens and someone they like wants a new opportunity, could anyone stop that quarterback from enrolling at Tennessee? These are unprecedented times, so there’s really no way to answer that question.
But at this point, it seems schools can do whatever they want (like add a pro basketball player to Alabama’s roster midseason). So I’m not sure we can rule anything out in this current landscape of college athletics.
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