The transfer portal doesn’t officially open for another week and a half, but the quarterback carousel is already spinning - fast. Dozens of signal-callers have announced their intentions to enter the portal once it opens, and Tennessee football is among the programs keeping a close eye on the action. With Joey Aguilar’s eligibility status in limbo - and NCAA rule changes unlikely to come through in time - the Vols are expected to be active in the QB market.
Let’s take a look at some of the top quarterbacks who have declared for the portal and how they might fit in Knoxville.
Josh Hoover - TCU
2025 Stats: 272-of-413, 3,472 yards, 29 TDs, 13 INTs; 4 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs
Why He Fits: Hoover is one of the most polished passers available. He’s accurate, especially on deep throws, and he’s shown he can handle the volume of a pass-heavy offense. With three years of starting experience at the Power Four level and only one year of eligibility left, he’s a plug-and-play option for a team like Tennessee that’s looking for a short-term answer with a high ceiling.
Potential Roadblocks: Tennessee reportedly made a run at Hoover last spring, and the quarterback didn’t seem thrilled with how that played out. That history could complicate things. Also, Hoover is a true pocket passer - his mobility is limited, which would be a shift from what Tennessee fans saw with Aguilar this past season.
Brendan Sorsby - Cincinnati
2025 Stats: 207-of-336, 2,800 yards, 27 TDs, 5 INTs; 580 rushing yards, 9 rushing TDs
Why He Fits: Sorsby brings dual-threat ability that Tennessee hasn’t had since Hendon Hooker. He’s an efficient runner and takes care of the football - a valuable combo in Josh Heupel’s system.
He’s also a one-year rental, which fits Tennessee’s timeline. Bonus: His parents live in Knoxville, which could add a personal edge to the recruitment.
Potential Roadblocks: The passing consistency wasn’t always there. Sorsby had some rough outings - 69 passing yards vs.
Nebraska, 111 vs. Baylor, 154 vs.
Arizona - that raise questions about whether he can carry a pass-first offense. And while his running ability is a strength, Tennessee may be looking to lean more on its talented returning receivers.
Dylan Raiola - Nebraska
2025 Stats: 181-of-250, 2,000 yards, 18 TDs, 6 INTs; -87 rushing yards
Why He Fits: Raiola’s raw numbers don’t tell the whole story. He missed three games due to injury and played behind a struggling offensive line. When healthy, he’s shown flashes of accuracy and improvisation - he’s comfortable creating when plays break down.
Potential Roadblocks: Raiola’s college career hasn’t quite taken off, and there’s some baggage. His recruitment saga - flipping from Georgia to Nebraska - raised eyebrows, and he’s developed a bit of a reputation for being more style than substance. He’s also got two years of eligibility, which may not align with Tennessee’s short-term needs.
DJ Lagway - Florida
2025 Stats: 213-of-337, 2,264 yards, 16 TDs, 14 INTs; 136 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD
Why He Fits: Lagway has all the tools - size, arm strength, mobility - and he’s still developing. He missed most of the offseason due to injury and didn’t benefit from the most stable coaching situation under Billy Napier. There’s potential here for a breakout in the right environment.
Potential Roadblocks: The turnovers were brutal. Fourteen picks in a season is tough to overlook, especially for a team looking to contend in the SEC. And with Tennessee needing a short-term answer, Lagway’s status as a rising junior makes him more of a long-term project than a quick fix.
Rocco Becht - Iowa State
2025 Stats: 205-of-339, 2,584 yards, 16 TDs, 9 INTs; 116 rushing yards, 8 rushing TDs
Why He Fits: Becht has been on Tennessee’s radar before, and it’s easy to see why. He’s a balanced QB - capable as a passer and a runner - and brings multiple years of starting experience. With only one year of eligibility left, he’d be a veteran presence who could stabilize the position.
Potential Roadblocks: His 2025 season was a step back. During a midseason four-game losing streak, Becht threw five interceptions and struggled to find rhythm. Perhaps more significantly, there’s a strong belief he’ll follow Matt Campbell to Penn State, which could take Tennessee out of the running before it even begins.
Byrum Brown - South Florida
2025 Stats: 226-of-341, 3,158 yards, 28 TDs, 7 INTs; 1,008 rushing yards, 14 rushing TDs
Why He Fits: Brown is one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in the portal. He’s a true weapon on the ground - over 1,000 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns - and he knows the system. He played under Alex Golesh at USF in a scheme similar to what Heupel runs at Tennessee.
Potential Roadblocks: While Brown’s rushing is elite, his passing remains inconsistent. That’s a concern for a Tennessee team that’s looking to capitalize on its receiving talent. Plus, all signs point to him following Golesh to Auburn, which could make this one a long shot.
Colton Joseph - Old Dominion
2025 Stats: 173-of-290, 2,624 yards, 21 TDs, 10 INTs; 1,007 rushing yards, 13 rushing TDs
Why He Fits: Joseph is a true dual-threat who’s been productive at the Group of Five level. He’s posted back-to-back strong seasons and showed he can compete against Power Four teams - just look at his performance against Virginia Tech: 276 yards passing, two touchdowns, and another 63 yards and a score on the ground.
Potential Roadblocks: The jump from Old Dominion to the SEC is no small leap, especially for a quarterback who relies on his legs. The question is whether his rushing success will translate against faster, more physical SEC defenses. Add in a double-digit interception total, and there’s reason for caution.
The Bottom Line
Tennessee has options - a lot of them. From proven passers like Hoover to dual-threat dynamos like Brown and Joseph, the Vols can tailor their search based on what kind of offense they want to run in 2026. The key will be finding the right blend of experience, upside, and fit within Heupel’s system.
With Joey Aguilar’s status still uncertain and the portal heating up, expect Tennessee to be aggressive. The quarterbacks are lining up - now it’s about picking the one who can lead the Vols into the next chapter.