Tennessee just added a new name to its quarterback room, and it’s one that brings both experience and upside. Ryan Staub, a transfer from Colorado, has officially committed to the Vols after a weekend visit to Knoxville that left a lasting impression. He becomes a key addition in a quarterback group that already includes highly touted freshman George MacIntyre and incoming signee Faizon Brandon, the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2026 class.
Staub, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound redshirt sophomore, didn’t take this decision lightly. Before choosing Tennessee, he made stops at Ohio State, Kentucky, Cincinnati and Liberty. But by the time his short visit to Knoxville wrapped up, he knew he’d found the right fit.
“Just the facilities, the coaching staff here, the culture they have, it all speaks for itself,” Staub said. “But this city is second to none.
It’s amazing. I’m excited to be a Vol.”
The Vols have been actively searching for depth and competition at the quarterback position heading into 2026. Head coach Josh Heupel and his staff looked at several options in the portal, including Brendan Sorsby from Cincinnati, Sam Leavitt from Arizona State - the top-rated transfer quarterback in the 2026 cycle - and Missouri’s Beau Pribula. But ultimately, it was Staub who matched what Tennessee was looking for.
And it wasn’t just about what Tennessee said during his visit - it was about the feeling he got from being there.
“It’s almost what they didn’t do,” Staub explained. “There’s a different energy in Knoxville.
It’s a place I want to be, and I’m excited to get to work here. This coaching staff is awesome.
There’s a lot of continuity here, and it’s a great system. I think it’s a great fit.”
Staub brings with him two years of eligibility and a solid foundation of in-game experience. He’s played in at least three games in each of the last three seasons for Colorado, including one start this past year.
That start came against Houston on September 12, where he threw for 204 yards on 19-of-35 passing, with one touchdown and two interceptions in a 36-20 loss. Overall, he finished the 2025 season with 427 passing yards, three touchdowns, four picks, and added 30 rushing yards and a score on the ground.
It’s not eye-popping production, but Staub isn’t being brought in to be a savior - he’s being brought in to compete, to push the room, and to be ready if called upon. And he’s embracing that role.
“I think I bring experience, IQ and a guy that’s going to add to the room in any way,” he said. “I think I’m coachable.
I can improve. I’m excited to see where my ability will take me.”
One key part of Staub’s decision? Tennessee offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Joey Halzle. The two connected quickly, and Staub sees Halzle as someone who can help elevate his game.
“Coach Halzle is awesome,” Staub said. “He’s smart, runs a great offense, and he’s just a great person. I’ve been getting to know him a little better and, man, I’m just so excited.”
With MacIntyre and Brandon representing the future, Staub offers a steady hand in the present - someone who’s been through the grind of Power Five football, knows what it takes to prepare each week, and can help set the tone in the quarterback room. Whether he wins the starting job or not, his presence adds value to a group that’s young, talented, and now, just a bit more seasoned.
For Tennessee, it’s not just about stacking stars - it’s about building a sustainable quarterback pipeline. And with Staub in the mix, the Vols just took another step in that direction.