Tennessee football isn’t done building its quarterback room just yet. After swinging and missing on a few high-profile targets earlier this offseason, the Vols are still actively looking to add depth under center. And while the coaching staff seems comfortable rolling into the 2026 season with either redshirt freshman George MacIntyre or true freshman Faizon Brandon leading the offense, the need for another scholarship quarterback remains - not necessarily to start, but to stabilize the room.
Enter Ryan Staub, a transfer from Colorado who’s set to visit Knoxville on Sunday. Staub just wrapped up his redshirt sophomore season with the Buffaloes, appearing in five games and starting one. He’s no stranger to the Power Four level, and that experience alone makes him an intriguing option for Tennessee.
In 2025, Staub completed 30-of-55 passes for 427 yards, tossing three touchdowns and four interceptions. He added 30 rushing yards and a score on the ground, showing some mobility in limited action. His role in Colorado's quarterback room included sharing time with former Vol Kaidon Salter and highly touted prospect Julian Lewis, so he’s been in competitive environments before.
Looking back, Staub has had a slow but steady climb. He saw action in four games during his redshirt freshman season in 2024 and played in three games - including one start - as a true freshman in 2023. Coming out of high school, he was a three-star recruit, and he still has two years of eligibility left.
That’s a big deal for Tennessee. While some programs have already locked in their quarterback situations - LSU, for example - Staub remains one of the more experienced arms still available in the portal.
If he were to commit to the Vols, he’d likely enter a three-man competition alongside MacIntyre and Brandon. Even if he doesn't win the starting job, having a veteran in the room who’s taken real snaps at the Power Four level could be invaluable, especially in a league as demanding as the SEC.
Right now, Tennessee’s transfer portal class includes 15 additions, but only three are on the offensive side of the ball: offensive tackle Ory Williams from LSU, running back Javin Gordon out of Tulane, and tight end Trent Thomas from South Alabama. The Vols have clearly focused on defense in this portal cycle, but quarterback depth is one area they can't afford to overlook.
With spring ball on the horizon and the depth chart still taking shape, Staub’s visit comes at a pivotal time. Whether he ends up in orange or not, Tennessee’s quarterback picture isn’t fully settled - and that’s exactly why this move matters.