Tennessee’s first opposing QB of 2026 is now determined, and it’s a former Michigan (and Miami, and Missouri) man
Furman has named their starting quarterback, and they will go with a former Power 4 starter.
There has been plenty of talk this month among Tennessee Vols fans about the quarterback battle that’s brewing in Knoxville between redshirt freshman George MacIntyre and true freshman Faizon Brandon for the right to start the season against Furman on Sept. 5.
However, there has been little to no talk about who Tennessee’s defense will be facing when the Paladins (yes, that’s Furman’s mascot) come to Neyland Stadium.
Now, Josh Heupel, Jim Knowles, and the Vols’ defensive staff can begin their preparations for who they’ll face as their first opposing starting quarterback of the season. Furman has named Jake Garcia as their starting quarterback.
Furman starting former Miami, Missouri, East Carolina, and Michigan QB Jake Garcia against Tennessee
Garcia is a name that some Tennessee fans who are a bit more college football diehards might recognize. He was a very heralded four-star signee out of the 2021 class for the Hurricanes and ended up starting for them during the 2022 season. His most memorable moment was leading the Canes to a 14-12 four overtime win over the Virginia Cavaliers that season.
He would ultimately transfer from Miami after the season and land with Missouri. After not logging any time there in 2023, he transferred to East Carolina, where he appeared in six games. But it was rough for the Pirates, as he threw for 1426 yards with eight touchdowns to a whopping 12 interceptions. Last year for Michigan, he appeared in one game but did not log any passing stats.
Now, with Furman, he’s playing for his fifth team since 2022. According to ESPN, Garcia also played for five high schools in four years. So, stability is not something that the ex-Hurricane (and then some) has had in his career.
Still, it’s not every day that you face a quarterback that a number of notable Power Four programs either had recruited or actually had on their rosters. But that upside and potential never has surfaced, and Vol fans are hoping it doesn’t start on Sept. 5.
But they probably won’t have to hold their breath with that.
