Tennessee’s quarterback situation is still in flux, but the Vols took a step toward solidifying the room this week with the addition of former Colorado QB Ryan Staub.
While the program continues to wait on a ruling regarding Joey Aguilar’s eligibility for 2026 - he’s part of an ongoing lawsuit with other former JUCO players seeking an extra year - Tennessee didn’t sit idle. On Sunday, Staub announced his commitment to the Vols after three seasons in Boulder.
Staub arrived at Colorado as part of Deion Sanders’ first recruiting class in 2023 and initially slotted in as the backup to Shedeur Sanders. As a redshirt freshman that fall, he saw action in four games, going 23-of-40 for 254 yards. His most notable appearance came in the season finale against Utah, when he stepped in for an injured Sanders and threw for 195 yards and a touchdown in his first career start.
In 2024, Staub’s role diminished - he again appeared in four games but attempted only four passes. The following year, with Shedeur Sanders off to the NFL, Staub entered a three-way competition with veteran Kaidon Salter and highly touted freshman Julian Lewis.
Salter ultimately won the starting job, but his up-and-down play opened the door for Staub to see the field in relief. He made the most of those opportunities, throwing for 427 yards, three touchdowns, and four interceptions over five appearances.
Now, Staub brings that experience to a Tennessee quarterback room that’s still taking shape. George McIntyre is in the mix, and five-star freshman Faizon Brandon is generating plenty of buzz. Meanwhile, Jake Merklinger - who backed up Aguilar in 2025 - has transferred to UConn, leaving an open lane for Staub to compete for meaningful snaps.
This is a savvy pickup for Tennessee. Staub isn’t just a depth piece - he’s a battle-tested arm who’s played in big moments and stayed ready when his number was called. With Aguilar’s status still up in the air and a pair of young, talented QBs on the roster, Staub gives the Vols some much-needed experience and stability heading into spring ball.
The quarterback picture in Knoxville isn’t fully clear yet, but one thing’s for sure: it just got a lot more interesting.