Tennessee has officially entered Music City Bowl mode, and while the 2025 season didn’t quite meet the lofty expectations that surrounded it back in August, the Vols still have a shot to finish on a high note. And for that, they can thank Joey Aguilar - the late-season stabilizer who stepped in when things could’ve gone completely off the rails.
Aguilar’s impact can’t be overstated. Without him, Tennessee might not even be prepping for a bowl game right now.
He brought poise and experience when the Vols needed it most, helping them find their footing down the stretch. But as the team gears up for the Music City Bowl, the focus is already shifting to what comes next - and the quarterback room is front and center in that conversation.
This bowl game could mark Aguilar’s final appearance in orange and white. Barring an unlikely NCAA waiver, his eligibility is up.
That puts head coach Josh Heupel in a pivotal spot as he looks ahead to 2026. Does he roll with the young talent already on campus - namely George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon - or does he dip into the transfer portal in search of a veteran who can raise the floor of the offense next season?
There’s no clear answer yet, but Aguilar has made one thing clear: he believes in MacIntyre.
“I would say all over the place,” Aguilar said when asked where MacIntyre has improved. “In the film room, you know, getting the timing down with the receivers, being vocal and controlling the offense, you know, film studies, asking good questions, learning defenses and just getting the scheme of what we got going on down to a tee.”
That’s not just teammate-speak - that’s a seasoned quarterback recognizing the growth of his potential successor. Aguilar added, “He’s prepared, and when he gets the shot, he’ll take advantage of it for sure.”
It’s a strong endorsement, and it echoes what the coaching staff has quietly seen from MacIntyre behind the scenes. The freshman has only appeared in two games this season, completing 7 of 9 passes for 69 yards - a small sample size, but enough to get a glimpse of his poise and arm talent.
MacIntyre fits the mold of what Heupel wants in a quarterback. He’s got the arm strength to stretch the field, which is a cornerstone of Heupel’s aggressive, vertical passing game.
He can make every throw in the playbook, and he’s already showing signs of command in the film room and on the practice field. That’s a strong foundation to build on.
And while handing the offense over to a true sophomore (or potentially a redshirt freshman) carries some risk, the upside is undeniable. If MacIntyre clicks early, Tennessee could have its starter locked in for the next three seasons - a luxury in today’s college football landscape.
There’s also the intangible factor. MacIntyre comes from a football family, and that background shows in how he approaches the game.
He’s not just relying on raw talent - he’s attacking the mental side, too. That’s what makes him such an intriguing long-term option.
Still, Heupel has a decision to make - and it’s not one he can afford to get wrong. The 2026 quarterback choice is going to define the next chapter of Tennessee football. Whether it’s MacIntyre, Brandon, or a transfer portal addition, the Vols need stability and production at the most important position on the field.
For now, Aguilar gets one more shot to lead the Vols in the Music City Bowl. After that, the baton might be passed to the next man up - and based on everything we’ve heard, George MacIntyre might be more ready than most realize.