A quarterback competition is not unique to Tennessee. Several Power 4 teams are in the midst of their own quarterback battle ahead of the 2025 season. However, Tennessee’s is the least desirable. Circumstantially.
Tennessee’s then-starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava infamously departed from Rocky Top ahead of the team’s Orange and White game. A move that left Tennessee scrambling for a starting quarterback.
Alabama just named their starting quarterback, however the Vols could be more like Michigan and wait to reveal.
Head coach Sherrone Moore stated that the decision will be made during game week, specifically the Monday before their opener against New Mexico.
Part of the delay can be attributed to the reality that the race may be closer than Josh Heupel and company initially thought it would be.
More clarity on the quarterback competition could happen on Friday following the team’s second scrimmage of fall camp.
As fall practice evolves, true freshman George MacIntyre continues to gain more attention for his potential to grab the QB1 job.
It’s not that simple.
MacIntrye needs time to develop with and he deserves that luxury. There’s no question he’s looked strong and accurate since arriving on Rocky Top, but he lacks in a crucial aspect.
He doesn’t have the stature of an SEC quarterback, yet.
He needs to put on additional weight to thrive in this league. Currently, he’s 6’6″, 195 lbs. Iamaleava was 215lbs at 6’6″ in 2024.
That additional weight will allow him to have longevity throughout the season both with his ability to take hits and to have a strong arm from August to December. He could very well be the future and there’s no question this current situation has expedited his development.
The race truly is between Jake Merklinger and Joey Aguilar. And the pressure isn’t on Aguilar.
Merklinger should have the pressure. He has the most experience in the system and most game reps at the SEC level. The job should be his lose.
However, he doesn’t have the years of collegiate experience that Aguilar has.
Merklinger has put on considerable weight since last season, he’s changed his grip on the football, and as a result feels stronger and more accurate.
That’s been noticeable through three weeks of fall camp.
Aguilar, however, appears to have the edge with strength and accuracy. Yet, still needs to develop and take care of the football.
Aguilar brings much more to Tennessee than potentially being the starting quarterback. He’s someone who values the opportunity to be a Volunteer, he strengthens the culture, and provides valuable leadership to an otherwise young QB room.
“What motivates me isn’t even about proving people wrong, I’ve been doubted my whole life,” said Aguilar. “It’s just for myself, for my family, you know seeing their kid on the highest stage, playing the game that he loves. Just to go out there and no matter what happens my family’s proud of me. I graduated, I have an education already.”
Before we learn more on who’s leading the charge, it wouldn’t be the most surprising result if Merklinger gets the nod to start the season. It also wouldn’t be surprising if Aguilar takes over later in the season once he’s had more time on his side.
Heupel has compared this situation to Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton. So, I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a change during the season. Even if comes in the final game and resembles when Alabama’s then-quarterback Tua Tagovailoa replaced Jalen Hurts at halftime of the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship game against Georgia.
