As the college football transfer portal prepares to swing wide open, Tennessee is one of several programs eyeing a reset - or at least a reload - heading into next season. After making the College Football Playoff just a year ago, the Vols took a noticeable step back this past season. Some of that regression falls on defensive coordinator Tim Banks’ unit, but a bigger piece of the puzzle lies with Josh Heupel’s offense - and more specifically, the quarterback play under Joey Aguilar.
Aguilar, who transferred in from Appalachian State, had moments but never quite found the consistency Tennessee needed to keep pace in the SEC. While there's still a chance he could petition for another year of eligibility, the expectation is that his time in Knoxville is likely done.
That opens the door for a new face under center - and while all eyes are on five-star freshman George MacIntyre as the future, the Vols may not want to throw him into the fire right away. That’s where the transfer portal could come into play.
One name to watch? Katin Houser.
The former Michigan State quarterback has spent the last two seasons at East Carolina, helping engineer a turnaround under head coach Blake Harrell. Now, he’s in the portal again - and Tennessee could be an ideal landing spot. Houser is currently ranked as the No. 10 quarterback available in the transfer portal, and his name has already been linked to the Vols by several analysts.
Houser’s potential fit in Knoxville is intriguing, especially given the kind of weapons Tennessee can offer compared to what he had at ECU. Over four seasons split between Michigan State and East Carolina, Houser has appeared in 34 games, throwing for 6,438 yards, 43 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions.
The stat line doesn’t tell the whole story, though. What stands out is his year-over-year improvement in accuracy and decision-making - the kind of developmental arc that suggests he’s still trending upward.
At Michigan State, Houser played during a turbulent period for the Spartans, but rather than get buried in the chaos, he used that experience as fuel. His move to East Carolina gave him a fresh start, and he capitalized, becoming a steady presence for a program that needed a spark. That kind of resilience and leadership could be exactly what Tennessee needs in a transitional year.
Josh Heupel’s offense is built on tempo, spacing, and vertical shots - a modern twist on the Air Raid - and Houser’s skill set might be a tailor-made fit. He’s shown he can push the ball downfield, and he’s not afraid to let it rip when the coverage dictates. That aggressive mindset could mesh well with Heupel’s philosophy, especially with the kind of talent Tennessee has at wide receiver.
Let’s not forget, Heupel isn’t on the hot seat, but the pressure is building. After the high of a playoff appearance, expectations have shifted.
Another down year, and the noise around the program will only grow louder. That makes this quarterback decision a critical one - not just for 2025, but for the long-term trajectory of the program.
Houser could be the bridge Tennessee needs - a one-year starter with enough experience to steady the offense while MacIntyre develops behind the scenes. He has one year of eligibility left, and he’s likely looking for a situation where he can compete at the highest level. While East Carolina could be in the mix for an American Athletic Conference title, Tennessee offers a bigger stage and a clearer path to the expanded College Football Playoff.
If Heupel believes in Houser’s arm and his ability to command the offense, the fit makes a lot of sense. The Vols don’t need a superstar - they need a stabilizer. And Houser, with his experience, growth, and upside, just might be that guy.