After the 2025 season, it appeared as though Tennessee QB Joey Aguilars eligibility had run out. But now the Vols quarterback may get another shot in 2026. While his case awaits a verdict, capable freshmen wait in the wings. Here's a look at the at the unsettled QB room for Tennessee's upcoming season: 

Tennessee made a splash in the transfer portal last season when it picked up UCLA transfer quarterback Joey Aguilar. 

After the ugly departure of 2024 quarterback Nico Iamaleava, the Vols were in desperate need of stability at the QB position and got jut that with Aguilar.

The veteran QB threw for 3,565 yards last season completing 67.3% of his passes and threw a nationwide 24th best 24 touchdowns.

Although he did throw 10 costly interceptions throughout the season, Aguilar's ability to take risks down field and convert on many occasions, added another element to the Vols' Top 10 offense in the country.

Now with his eligibility timed out, all signs point to Aguilar's tenure with Tennessee being over. 

But the QB and has taken legal action to extend his college career and is currently awaiting a court date and decision to determine his football future. 

If granted another year of play, Aguilar will almost certainly return to the Volunteers and will once again play in the starting role.

After two seasons with the Volunteers, Jake Merklinger has entered the transfer portal and is headed to UConn.

Merklinger played in the backup role for Tennessee last season where he threw two touchdowns without an interception and connected on 13 of his 24 passing attempts.

Merklinger took a redshirt freshman season in 2024.

The rising sophomore saw the writing on the wall that his chances of starting at Tennessee in 2026 were growing increasingly unlikely. He has since decided to test his luck elsewhere and will now get the chance to lead a team when he takes the field with the Huskies in the fall.

George MacIntyre is in position to step in as the starting quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers in 2026.

With the departures of Merklinger and likely Aguilar, MacIntyre is the only remaining QB from last season with a legit chance at seeing action next season.

The former five-star prospect appeared in two games last season for the Vols, relieving the other QBs late in games, where he totaled 69 yards on just over 77% completion rate. 

MacIntyre took a redshirt season in 2025 and has gotten the opportunity to get stronger and more fit to play a starting role for Tennessee. He is the current favorite to land the role in 2026.

Also returning for the Vols is 2025 freshman Mason Phillips.

The Kodak, Tenn. native saw the field just once last season against ETSU, recording two rushing attempts for 18 yards. 

He will once again play a reserve role for the Vols.

The star of the 2026 Tennessee recruiting class is five-star QB Faizon Brandon.

A consensus Top 5 quarterback in his graduating class and 24/7Sports' No. 2 overall prospect, Brandon excelled in high school, throwing for 6,374 yards and 79 touchdowns while completing more than 72% of his passes. The Greensboro, N.C. native is also dangerous with his legs, as he totaled 21 rushing scores in his high school career. 

Depending on the outcome of Aguilar's lawsuit, Brandon could be in play for the starting job in 2026 if his game can quickly translate during spring and summer camps. 

Regardless of role in his true freshman season, Brandon is positioned to be the Vols QB of the future with a talented group of recruits alongside him.  

Adding outside experience to its 2026 QB room, Tennessee signed Colorado third-string quarterback Ryan Staub from the transfer portal last month. 

Staub, a rising junior, joins the Vols after a season where he completed 30 of his 55 passes, totaling 427 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions.

If Aguilar is denied an extra year of eligibility, Staub could have a better shot at the starting job as he would be competing against two freshmen in MacIntyre and Brandon, who have combined less experience than the former Buffalo.