After a 2025 college football season that ended with Indiana capping off a perfect 16-0 run by edging out Miami in the national title game, attention now shifts to what lies ahead - and that starts with the quarterback position across the Power Four landscape.
At Tennessee, the QB conversation is heating up, and all signs point toward redshirt freshman George MacIntyre stepping into the spotlight in 2026.
MacIntyre, a 6-foot-6, 195-pound signal-caller from Franklin, Tennessee, is currently the most likely candidate to lead the Vols’ offense, according to projections. And while nothing is set in stone just yet, the picture is starting to come into focus.
Here’s where things stand: 2025 starter Joey Aguilar is pursuing an additional year of eligibility. As a former junior college transfer, his situation is still playing out, and Tennessee's quarterback room has been in flux because of it. The Vols were active in the transfer portal, making runs at Sam Leavitt and Beau Pribula - two experienced options who could’ve brought immediate stability - but came up short on both.
That leaves MacIntyre as the frontrunner, at least for now.
He was a top-110 national prospect in the 2025 recruiting cycle, ranked No. 109 in the SC Next 300, and came to Knoxville with plenty of buzz. While his on-field action was limited last fall, he made the most of it.
Appearing in two nonconference games - against East Tennessee State and New Mexico State - MacIntyre completed 7 of 9 passes for 69 yards. It wasn’t a huge sample size, but it was enough to offer a glimpse of his poise and accuracy in live action.
Now, with spring practices on the horizon, the real competition begins.
MacIntyre brings a prototypical frame and a smooth release, and he’s had a full year to learn the system, adjust to the speed of the college game, and develop under the coaching staff. That developmental runway could give him the edge heading into 2026, especially if Aguilar’s eligibility request doesn’t pan out.
Tennessee’s offense has been built around tempo and spacing in recent years, and MacIntyre’s skill set fits that mold. He’s not just a tall pocket passer - he’s shown the ability to make quick reads and deliver the ball with confidence. The question now is whether he can do it consistently against SEC defenses.
The Vols will need leadership and execution from the quarterback spot if they want to stay competitive in a crowded conference race. And while the situation is still fluid, MacIntyre’s name is one to keep an eye on as Tennessee begins shaping its 2026 identity.
There’s still a long way to go before the season kicks off, but for now, George MacIntyre looks like Tennessee’s best bet to take the reins.