As we look ahead to the 2026 college football season, Tennessee’s quarterback picture is starting to come into focus - and all signs are pointing toward redshirt freshman George MacIntyre taking the reins in Knoxville.
According to a new report that surveyed the projected quarterback situations across the Power 4 landscape, MacIntyre is the early frontrunner to be under center for the Vols this fall. It’s a significant development for a program looking to reset after a turbulent 2025 campaign.
Let’s rewind for a second. Tennessee came into last season with high hopes, but things went sideways before the first snap.
Nico Iamaleava, the former five-star quarterback and 2024 starter, stunned the program by entering the transfer portal in the spring and heading back to his home state to join UCLA. That move sent shockwaves through the Vols’ depth chart and opened the door for Joey Aguilar, who had originally been set to transfer to UCLA himself, to reverse course and land in Knoxville.
Aguilar brought a spark to Tennessee’s offense in 2025, running a fast-paced system that put up solid numbers - 3,565 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. But while the stats were respectable, the results didn’t quite meet expectations. Tennessee finished with an 8-5 record, a step back from where the program hoped to be.
Now, Aguilar’s future is up in the air. He’s seeking an additional year of eligibility, thanks to his junior college background, but nothing is guaranteed. Until that decision comes down, Tennessee’s quarterback room remains in a bit of limbo.
That’s where George MacIntyre enters the conversation.
The 6-foot-5 signal-caller from Franklin, Tennessee, saw only limited action in 2025 - just nine pass attempts for 69 yards - but he’s been viewed as a long-term piece for the Vols since he arrived on campus. With Aguilar’s status uncertain and Tennessee striking out on high-profile transfer targets like Sam Leavitt and Beau Pribula, MacIntyre currently looks like the most stable option heading into spring ball.
He may not have the experience, but he’s got the tools. MacIntyre was one of the top quarterback recruits in the country coming out of high school, and his in-state ties only add to the intrigue. He’s got the arm, the frame, and the poise - now it’s about getting reps and earning the trust of the coaching staff.
Of course, MacIntyre won’t be handed the job without competition. Tennessee brought in Faizon Brandon, a highly touted 2026 recruit, and also added former Colorado quarterback Ryan Staub to the mix. Both will have a shot to make an impression, but as things stand, MacIntyre is the “safest pick” to lead the offense this fall.
The big domino still to fall is Aguilar. If he’s granted another year of eligibility, he could very well reclaim the starting job - or at least push MacIntyre in a serious way. But until that situation is resolved, Tennessee is preparing as if the future starts now with MacIntyre.
For a program that’s been through its share of quarterback drama over the last 12 months, a little stability would go a long way. And while there’s still plenty to be sorted out before Week 1, the Vols might just have their next guy already in the building.