An afterthought for Tennessee against New Mexico State could signal an important development for 2026 season
How Josh Heupel handles the backup QB situation against the Aggies could be telling for the future.
Rarely does the entry of a backup quarterback in a non-conference blowout trigger much attention from the fanbase of the winning team.
However, against New Mexico State next weekend, there could be a reason for Tennessee fans to watch and see who trots onto the field first for the Vols after Joey Aguilar is done for the day.
Tennessee insider Austin Price of VolQuest argued Thursday on the “Josh and Swain” show that Tennessee perhaps should turn to freshman George MacIntyre first, and it if they do, it could be a sign of the coaching staff trying to get a longer look at, and give reps to, the guy they think will more likely be in Knoxville next year.
Vols insider notes Jake Merklinger might not be back next year, so George MacIntyre getting reps could be valuable
“I would make the case that the second quarterback into the game should be George MacIntyre,” Price said. “Most people don’t believe that Jake Merklinger is going to be here past January, and if you deep down believe that, if you’re Joey Halzle, Josh Heupel, and you don’t believe Merklinger is the guy or is going to be here in January, then I’m going to give those reps – those meaningful reps in a game – to George MacIntyre.
“You go back to the UAB game, they got late in the game. UAB went on that long drive. Tennessee’s defense couldn’t get off the field, and by the time Tennessee’s offense got the ball back and it was set to go to George, they decided we’re not going to insult George by putting him in to hand it off, so they just kept Jake in. So, George never went in. One, you don’t want that to happen again. Two, I would tell you these are valuable reps. They can help catapult a quarterback that you feel like is going to be on your roster next year battling it out for the starting job with Faizon Brandon and others.
“So, I think all three should play, but I think it’s important for George to get real run, and I would tell you the same thing about guys like Bennett Warren. I would tell you the same thing about anyone like Daune Morris. DaSaahn Brame. Anybody that you feel like is going to be a real player for you, get them some momentum. Let them feel good about themselves and do so before the fourth quarter. Do so when you’ve got some other talent around them. “
Price makes a very good point, and who comes off the bench after Aguilar is done and how long they play could be a bit of a tell as far as what the coaching staff is thinking on the lines of players returning and contributing.
Tennessee finished up their season after the New Mexico State with a road game at Florida – one of the least ideal spots to play a backup quarterback – and at home against Vanderbilt in what should be a tough and competitive game. As this is Aguilar’s final collegiate season, one would expect him to play the entre bowl game as well.
Thus, this window of possible time – provided the first teamers blow out the 3-5 Aggies like they should – could provide a limited and important opportunity to evaluate their backup quarterbacks – as well as other key young players and reserves – under the bright lights before the end of the season. We’ll see next weekend how Heupel and his staff choose to play that out.
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