As Tennessee gears up for the 2026 Music City Bowl, all eyes are on quarterback Joey Aguilar-and not just because he’s leading the offense. This could be the final time we see him in a Vols uniform. Aguilar is set to run out of eligibility after this season, but there’s a twist: he’s making a legal push for one more year in Knoxville.
It’s a storyline that carries major implications for Josh Heupel’s program, especially after the news that sophomore quarterback Jake Merklinger plans to enter the transfer portal. Merklinger, a former 4-star recruit from the 2024 class, was the most experienced signal-caller on the roster behind Aguilar. With him on the move, the quarterback room suddenly looks a lot thinner-and a lot younger.
Let’s break it down.
Joey Aguilar’s Uncertain Future
Aguilar has been a steadying presence for Tennessee this season, and if he’s granted an extra year of eligibility, it would be a massive boost for a team that’s now facing serious questions at the most important position on the field. His return would give the Vols a proven leader to guide what’s becoming a very young quarterback group.
But if the NCAA doesn’t grant that extra year? That’s when things get tricky.
Tennessee would likely need to dip into the transfer portal to find a veteran presence-someone who can step in and compete for the starting job right away. The Vols can’t afford to go into 2026 with nothing but untested talent under center.
The Youth Movement Behind Aguilar
With Merklinger out, the depth chart behind Aguilar is built on potential, not experience. George MacIntyre, a 4-star prospect from the 2025 class, is already on campus and brings a lot of buzz. Then there’s Faizon Brandon, one of the top quarterback recruits in the nation for 2026, who’s expected to arrive as a true freshman.
There’s no question both MacIntyre and Brandon have the talent to eventually lead this team. But “eventually” is the key word.
Asking either to step into the starting role immediately-especially in the SEC-is a big ask. That’s why Aguilar’s eligibility status is so crucial.
His return would buy time for the younger guys to develop without being thrown into the fire.
Portal Watch: What Comes Next?
If Aguilar’s appeal falls short, expect Tennessee to be aggressive in the transfer portal. The Vols need someone who’s played meaningful snaps at the college level-ideally, a quarterback with multiple years in a Power Five system who can come in and compete from Day 1.
Could that be someone like Sam Leavitt? It’s too early to say for sure, but Tennessee will have options.
The portal is already heating up, and with the window opening in just a few weeks, timing is everything. The sooner the Vols get clarity on Aguilar’s situation, the better positioned they’ll be to make a move.
The Bottom Line
Josh Heupel has built a quarterback-friendly system in Knoxville, but even the best schemes need the right trigger man. Aguilar has proven he can run the show.
If he’s back, Tennessee will have a clear path forward. If not, the Vols will need to pivot quickly-either by fast-tracking one of their talented young QBs or by landing a veteran through the portal.
Either way, the next few weeks will shape the future of Tennessee’s quarterback room. And with the Music City Bowl right around the corner, the countdown is officially on.