Tennessee Football Eyes Transfer Portal for Veteran QB Help - Could Brendan Sorsby Be the Answer?
As Tennessee football looks ahead to the 2026 season, the quarterback room is shaping up to be one of the biggest storylines of the offseason. With Joey Aguilar out of eligibility, the Vols could be in the market for a seasoned signal-caller to bridge the gap while young talents George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon continue their development.
Enter Brendan Sorsby - a name that’s quickly gaining traction in the transfer portal conversation. The redshirt junior, who spent time at both Indiana and Cincinnati, is one of the more intriguing quarterback options available this cycle. And while schools like Texas Tech and Indiana are reportedly in the mix, there’s growing buzz that Tennessee could be a serious contender for his services.
Sorsby’s 2025 season was nothing short of impressive. He completed 61.6% of his passes, racking up 2,800 yards through the air with 27 touchdowns to just five interceptions. And he’s not just a pocket passer - he added 580 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on the ground, showcasing the kind of dual-threat ability that fits well in modern college offenses.
What makes Tennessee a particularly interesting fit? For one, Sorsby has family ties to the Knoxville area - a factor that could play into his decision as he weighs his next move. And with a wide-open opportunity to step into a leadership role on a competitive SEC roster, the Vols present a compelling case.
Of course, Tennessee isn’t the only program looking to reload at quarterback. Sorsby is part of a deep and talented group of portal-bound QBs that includes Sam Leavitt (Arizona State), DJ Lagway (Florida), Dylan Raiola (Nebraska), Josh Hoover (TCU), and Drew Mestemaker (North Texas). It’s shaping up to be one of the most competitive quarterback markets in recent memory, and Sorsby’s versatility and production make him one of the top names on the board.
Meanwhile, Tennessee has seen some movement of its own on the outgoing side. Six players have entered the portal so far, including quarterback Jake Merklinger, defensive back Boo Carter, defensive lineman Jamal Wallace, edge rusher Kellen Lindstrom, linebacker Brenden Anes, and defensive back Marcus Goree Jr.
For the Vols, the next few weeks will be crucial. Whether it’s Sorsby or another veteran quarterback, finding the right piece to lead the offense in 2026 could be the key to keeping Tennessee in the thick of the SEC race - while giving MacIntyre and Brandon the time they need to grow into the future of the program.