As Tennessee heads into a pivotal offseason, all eyes are on Josh Heupel and how he plans to address the quarterback position-a spot that could ultimately define the Vols' 2026 campaign. With Joey Aguilar’s eligibility still unclear, Heupel finds himself at a crossroads. Does he roll the dice on youth, or does he look to the transfer portal for a proven veteran to steady the ship?
While Aguilar hasn’t officially closed the door on a return, the prevailing sense is that Tennessee is preparing for life without him. That puts the spotlight on two key names in the program’s future: George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon.
Both are talented, both have upside, but neither is quite ready to be handed the keys just yet. That’s where the portal comes in-and that’s where Anthony Colandrea enters the conversation.
According to reports, Tennessee is among the programs showing interest in Colandrea, the UNLV standout who recently announced his intention to transfer. And make no mistake, this isn’t just a flyer. Colandrea is expected to draw significant attention from Power Four schools, and Tennessee’s name is firmly in the mix.
Let’s talk about what Colandrea brings to the table. He’s not a finished product, but he’s a dynamic dual-threat quarterback who knows how to move the chains.
In 2025, he threw for 3,459 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just nine interceptions while completing 66% of his passes. Those numbers helped him earn Mountain West Player of the Year honors and lead UNLV to a 10-4 season-one of the program’s most successful in recent memory.
Colandrea’s game is built on rhythm and mobility. He’s comfortable outside the pocket, can extend plays with his legs, and throws well on the move.
His decision-making could use refinement-something that’s not uncommon for young quarterbacks-but the raw tools are there. He fits the mold of what Heupel likes: a quarterback who can keep defenses honest with both his arm and legs, and who can operate at tempo.
Bringing in a player like Colandrea would serve multiple purposes for Tennessee. First, it gives the Vols a legitimate starting option for 2026, someone who’s already logged meaningful snaps and knows how to handle the pressure of leading a program.
Second, it buys time for MacIntyre and Brandon to develop. Both are promising, but asking either to start Week 1 next fall might be a stretch.
A veteran like Colandrea creates a natural bridge to the future while keeping Tennessee competitive in the present.
That said, it won’t be easy. Florida State is reportedly in the mix as well, and the Seminoles have plenty of incentive to land a player like Colandrea.
With Mike Norvell under pressure to bounce back, FSU is expected to be aggressive in the portal. Colandrea, a Florida native with ACC ties, would be a natural fit there too.
And he won’t be short on other suitors-several Power Four programs are expected to make a strong push.
Still, Tennessee’s interest is a sign that Heupel is approaching this offseason with urgency and clarity. The Vols can’t afford to miss at quarterback-not in this era, not in this conference.
The right move could set the foundation for a strong two-year run. The wrong one?
It could stall momentum and leave Tennessee playing catch-up in an increasingly competitive SEC.
For now, Colandrea is a name to watch. He’s not a guaranteed fix, but he’s a legitimate option-and one that fits the Vols’ timeline and offensive identity. If Tennessee can land him, it would be a savvy move in a critical offseason.