‘Keep an eye on Tennessee, too’ — insider mentions Vols as a team to watch for standout Group of Five QB

The Vols could again take the transfer portal QB route in 2026.

Craig Smith — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
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The Tennessee Volunteers are short on experience at the sport’s most important position after the 2025 season. With Joey Aguilar out of eligibility (absent a court order to the contrary, which seems unlikely) and with Jake Merklinger hitting the transfer portal, the Vols will have just George MacIntyre returning to go with incoming five-star signee Faizon Brandon for 2026.

As such, Josh Heupel and his staff should have their sights set on the transfer portal. And, according to On3 Sports’ Pete Nakos, it appears they do. And they could have the attention of one of the more intriguing names in the portal.

UNLV QB Anthony Colandrea is entering the transfer portal, and Nakos mentioned Tennessee as a team to watch for his services.

On3 Sports’ Pete Nakos mentions Tennessee as a team to watch for UNLV QB Anthony Colandrea

Nakos had the following to say about Colandrea:

“Sources have told On3 that UNLV transfer quarterback Anthony Colandrea is expected to command significant Power Four interest. While Florida State has started to surface, sources have cautioned that other schools are heavily in the mix. Keep an eye on Tennessee, too.”

Colandrea put up a big season for the Runnin’ Rebels in 2025. He completed 65.9% of his passes for 3459 yards (led Mountain West Conference) with 23 touchdowns to 9 interceptions. He also led the conference in yards per attempt (8.3) and passer rating (149.5). He was also a major threat on the ground with his legs, running for 649 yards on 127 attempts with 10 rushing touchdowns this season.

After spending two years with Virginia from 2023-24, he led UNLV to a 10-3 mark and a runner up spot in the Mountain West Conference in 2025. Colandrea had a limited appearance against Tennessee for the Cavaliers in the 2023 season opener, completing 2 of 7 passes for 12 yards with two runs for 17 yards.

We’ll see if Tennessee indeed emerges as a realistic destination in the coming days, but it’s clear he’s a far better player than the one the Vols saw in Nashville in 2023.

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