Tennessee football is heading into the offseason with one of the most important decisions a program can face: who’s taking the snaps under center next fall?
With Joey Aguilar currently out of eligibility under the existing rules, the Vols are staring at a quarterback room full of talent but short on experience. Second-year player George MacIntyre and true freshman Faizon Brandon both bring plenty of upside, but entrusting the offense to either in 2026 could be a gamble. That’s where the transfer portal comes into play - and Tennessee might be in a prime position to land a veteran.
If Josh Heupel and his staff decide to dip into the portal, it’s not going to be for just any quarterback. The Vols have the kind of setup that could attract a top-tier transfer: a strong returning core from a productive season, the numbers Aguilar just posted in Heupel’s offense, and a compelling NIL package that makes Knoxville a serious destination for anyone looking to make a splash in their final college season.
One name that’s now officially on the board is TCU’s Josh Hoover. The redshirt junior announced Thursday night that he’s entering the portal, and his résumé speaks for itself - 3,472 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 2025.
That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed, and Tennessee is no stranger to Hoover’s game. In fact, he was reportedly on the Vols’ radar during the spring portal window after Nico Iamaleava’s departure.
Hoover’s timing could align perfectly with what Tennessee needs. He brings just one year of eligibility, which makes him a perfect bridge quarterback.
That would allow MacIntyre or Brandon to continue developing behind the scenes, then take over in 2027 with more experience and a better grasp of the system. It’s a strategy that’s worked for programs around the country - plug in a proven veteran while grooming the future.
And Hoover isn’t the only name worth watching. Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt and Cincinnati’s Brendan Sorsby have also announced their intentions to transfer and could be intriguing fits in Knoxville. Both have starting experience and enough talent to push for the job, should Tennessee go that route.
The quarterback carousel is just getting started, and Tennessee is in a position of strength. They don’t have to add a transfer - but if the right name hits the portal, don’t be surprised if Heupel makes a serious push.
With the pieces already in place and a clear plan for the future, the Vols are looking for a steady hand to guide the offense in 2026. The only question now is: who’s ready to take the wheel?