The Tennessee Volunteers have had their hands full this December - from National Signing Day to bowl prep and NFL Draft decisions, it’s been a whirlwind stretch for Josh Heupel’s program. But while the Vols are still waiting on clarity around quarterback Joey Aguilar’s future, the next chapter under center may already be taking shape - and it could come via the transfer portal.
All eyes are now on Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who announced plans to enter the portal in January. And for Tennessee fans, this isn’t just another name hitting the market - this could be the bridge QB the Vols need.
Sorsby’s resume speaks for itself. Over his college career, he’s thrown for 7,208 yards and 60 touchdowns, while adding another 1,305 yards and 22 scores with his legs. That dual-threat ability makes him a natural fit for Heupel’s uptempo, spread offense - one that thrives when the quarterback can keep defenses honest with both arm and legs.
But it’s not just about the numbers. There’s a deeper connection here.
Back in the summer, during Big 12 Media Days, Sorsby was asked about his dream opponent. His answer?
Tennessee. He talked about attending games at Neyland Stadium growing up and called the atmosphere “really cool.”
For a quarterback who’s played in some tough environments, that kind of admiration for Rocky Top stands out.
Now, let’s talk fit - because this isn’t just about sentimentality. Assuming Aguilar moves on after the season (and there’s still no word on a potential extra year of eligibility), Tennessee’s quarterback room is long on talent but short on experience.
Jake Merklinger and George McIntyre are both promising, but still green. And while 5-star phenom Faizon Brandon - the No.
2 QB in the 2026 class - is on his way, asking a true freshman to start Day 1 in the SEC is a big ask, even for a coach like Heupel who’s known for developing quarterbacks.
That’s where Sorsby could be the ideal solution. He’s a plug-and-play veteran who can compete right away, giving Tennessee a proven option while the young guns continue to develop behind him. It’s the kind of move that could stabilize the offense for 2026 without sacrificing the future.
Sorsby’s path to this moment has been anything but linear. He began his career at Indiana, where he threw for 1,587 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2023.
After transferring to Cincinnati, he took a big leap forward - racking up 5,613 yards and 45 touchdowns across two seasons. His efforts in 2025 earned him Second Team All-Big 12 honors, a testament to how far he’s come and how much he still has to offer.
So when the portal opens in January, Tennessee will have a decision to make - but so will Sorsby. If the Vols are looking for a veteran presence who can win now and still make room for the future, this might be the match both sides have been waiting for.
And if Sorsby really wants to play at Neyland, well… sometimes the football gods line things up just right.