Ryan Staub came to Tennessee for an opportunity, but what he’s found so far has exceeded expectations.
The Colorado transfer said the chance to compete for the starting quarterback job mattered, but it was the structure, coaching, and attention to detail that ultimately sold him on the Volunteers.
“The coaches were the big recruiting point for me,” Staub said. “Just the level of detail in this offense was kind of the big shining light.”
Since arriving on campus, Staub has leaned into both the competition and the daily experience, approaching each day with a noticeably positive energy.
“I wake up every day and I walk into this building and I’m just like, ‘Wow, this is the coolest thing ever,’” Staub said. “How could you not be happy and grateful for this opportunity?”
The Los Angeles native said adjusting to Knoxville and the SEC environment has been seamless, even if everything still feels new.
“I’d never been to Tennessee before I got here,” Staub said. “Being here, it’s been kind of surreal.”
On the field, Staub brings experience after three seasons at Colorado, along with a skill set that includes extending plays and operating outside structure. He said that ability developed over time, particularly in his final season.
“Play breaks down, you just start running and try to find someone open,” Staub said. “That kind of developed through the years.”
At Colorado, played in 12 games with two starts where he completed 53-of-98 passes (54 percent) for 681 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions.
Staub is also adjusting to a more demanding offensive system. He described Tennessee’s scheme as more complex than what he operated previously, placing more responsibility on the quarterback to control tempo, make adjustments, and process quickly.
“They’re throwing everything at you, but it’s for a reason,” Staub said. “You can see why it has so much success because of how much goes into it.”
That learning curve has come with what Staub called the most detailed coaching he has experienced in college.
“I haven’t been coached this much in my time playing,” Staub said. “Every rep, there’s something to learn.”
The competition itself includes a mix of experience and young talent. Staub praised George MacIntyre for his leadership and decisiveness, while pointing to freshman Faizon Brandon’s rare physical tools.
“George is a great leader. He’s decisive, quick, very accurate,” Staub said. “And Faizon, I mean, wow. He’s kind of a freak nature. The raw ability is impressive.”
Despite the competitive nature of the room, Staub said the group pushes each other while working toward the same goal.
“It’s very competitive. It’s fun,” Staub said. “We complement each other in good ways.”
As spring continues, Staub said his focus remains on growth and consistency, not just winning the job.
“I’m here to compete,” he said. “I’m here to be the best quarterback that I can be.”
With experience, confidence, and a fresh start in a new system, Staub is positioning himself squarely in Tennessee’s quarterback race while embracing everything that comes with it.
