Tennessee Football connected to a transfer quarterback that could be a more affordable option for the Vols
The Tennessee Vols are expected to pursue a transfer quarterback this offseason.
The Tennessee Vols were connected to a transfer quarterback this weekend who could be an affordable option for the program.
Tennessee is expected to pursue a transfer quarterback when the portal opens on Jan. 2, but it’s unknown whether the Vols will target a high-end transfer or a more budget-friendly option.
The Volunteers, after all, are already paying significant money to true freshman quarterback George MacIntyre and incoming five-star signee Faizon Brandon (the only two scholarship quarterbacks that are currently set to be on UT’s roster in 2026).
One name that’s been connected to Tennessee is Cincinnati transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby, but he could be too expensive for the Vols.
Report connects TCU QB Josh Hoover to Tennessee
TCU quarterback Josh Hoover recently announced that he plans to enter the transfer portal.
Hoover passed for 3,472 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions for the Horned Frogs in 2025. He also rushed for two touchdowns.
On3’s Pete Nakos reported on Saturday that Indiana is the early school to watch for Hoover, while also noting that sources have mentioned Missouri and Tennessee.
“Other schools that sources have mentioned include Missouri and Tennessee,” wrote Nakos of Hoover’s transfer market.
Hoover is one of the quarterbacks that Tennessee briefly pursued last spring after Nico Iamaleava transferred to UCLA.
According to a report from The Star-Telegram‘s Steven Johnson, Tennessee offered Hoover a $1 million raise in April from what he was making at TCU last season.
“Tennessee offered Hoover roughly a $1 million more than he currently makes at TCU, but Hoover quickly turned down the Vols to remain in Fort Worth,” wrote Johnson. “Hoover already has a seven figure salary in Fort Worth.”
ESPN’s Pete Thamel revealed in July that Hoover declined Tennessee’s offer before he ever heard what it was.
“When he (Hoover) was golfing this spring, and his agent called to let him know Tennessee was interested in him as a Nico Iamaleava replacement, he didn’t even wait to hear what the offer was,” wrote Thamel. “He was more worried about hitting his tee shot.”
“He didn’t even say a number,” said Hoover to ESPN of the call from this agent. “I just said, ‘No, that’s not what I want to do.’ It was pretty simple.”
The Athletic’s Sam Khan Jr. and Chris Vannini suggested on Friday that Hoover “could draw a seven-figure increase from what he was making at TCU”. That likely means that Hoover will cost around $2 to $3 million in 2026 (unless a bidding war drives the price up, which is certainly possible). That would make him slightly more affordable than Sorsby, who is expected to receive a deal worth north of $4 million.
Hoover would seemingly be a good fit in Tennessee’s offense, as he played in a similar system for three seasons at TCU under offensive coordinator Kendal Briles.
But it’s worth noting that Hoover isn’t much of a threat with his legs. He could still be an option for the Vols, but that’s one less weapon he offers.
Tennessee’s quarterback plan should come into focus over the next 10 days as conversations continue to happen. But for now, it’s mostly speculation on who the Vols could target.
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