Josh Heupel and the Tennessee coaching staff are no strangers to the transfer portal. If there’s a tool that can help them build a national title contender, they’re going to use it-and use it aggressively. That’s been the message out of Knoxville for a while now, and it’s especially true when it comes to the most important position on the field: quarterback.
Heading into 2026, the biggest question looming over the Vols is who will be under center next fall. The ideal scenario?
Joey Aguilar returns. If he does, he’s the clear frontrunner to be QB1.
But if Aguilar moves on, things get interesting-and fast.
Right now, Tennessee’s in-house options include redshirt freshman George McIntyre and incoming freshman Faizon Brandon. Both are talented, no doubt, but throwing a freshman into the fire in the SEC is a tall order, even in an offense as quarterback-friendly as Heupel’s. And with 2025 backup Jake Merklinger reportedly planning to enter the portal, the depth chart could be thinner than expected.
Heupel didn’t offer a definitive answer when asked about the quarterback situation during his Thursday media availability, but he gave just enough to read between the lines. “It’s like your entire roster where there are moving pieces,” Heupel said. “As we finish the bowl game up and enter the portal, we’ll look to position that room to help us compete next year.”
Translation: If Aguilar isn’t back, Tennessee’s going portal shopping. And they won’t be bargain hunting.
In today’s college football landscape, programs with national championship aspirations aren’t waiting around for young quarterbacks to develop. They’re looking for plug-and-play veterans-guys who can step in, lead, and win right away. And if you’ve got the resources (and Tennessee certainly does), you go after the best.
One name that makes a lot of sense? Brendan Sorsby.
He’s got the arm strength to thrive in Heupel’s RPO-heavy attack, he’s played in a similar system before, and he’s got the kind of deep-ball accuracy that can unlock explosive plays. Add in some Knoxville ties, and it’s easy to see why he’d be at the top of the Vols’ wishlist.
But make no mistake-he’ll be a hot commodity. Landing him would take a serious NIL commitment.
And it’s not just Sorsby. The transfer portal is expected to be loaded with quarterback talent this cycle.
Sam Leavitt, DJ Lagway, and Dylan Raiola are just a few of the big names rumored to be on the move, and more will emerge as we get closer to January. The Vols will have options-and they’ll be aggressive in exploring them.
Of course, everything hinges on Aguilar’s decision. If he comes back, Tennessee’s quarterback room looks a lot more stable. If not, Heupel and his staff will be ready to pivot and bring in a veteran who can keep their championship window wide open.
One way or another, Tennessee is going to have a high-level quarterback in 2026. Whether it’s Aguilar returning for another run or a transfer stepping into the spotlight, the Vols are making it clear: they’re not rebuilding-they’re reloading.