Josh Heupel offers update on Tennessee, plans for starting quarterback

Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava was an integral part to the Volunteers’ run to the 2024 College Football Playoff, as he passed for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions last season. He however shocked the college football world this offseason when he announced his departure and subsequent move to UCLA, leaving many questions at the Tennessee quarterback position.

Along with redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and freshman George MacIntyre, the Volunteers brought in transfer arm Joey Aguilar to compete for the starting quarterback position. Aguilar originally transferred from Appalachian State to UCLA, but jumped to Tennessee following the Iamaleava move.

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel discussed his quarterback room and the competition for the starting role at this week’s SEC Media Days.

“We will have a competition at the quarterback position,” Heupel said. “Three guys inside of that room — really proud of what they’ve done. Joey [Aguilar] since he got there in May. [Jake] Merklinger and George MacIntyre — what those two guys have done since they’ve been on campus. But I’m really proud of the steps they’ve taken through the summer and how they’ve developed relationships and rapport with the guys around them. Their ability to compete in a positive way with eachother in the meeting room and on the field. Their ability to have leadership traits and continue to grow in that.”

Last season at App State, Aguilar passed for 3,003 yards, 23 touchdowns and 14 interceptions for a program that finished with a 5-6 record. Merklinger attempted nine passes as a freshman last season, totaling just 48 yards. MacIntyre, who is an incoming freshman, was tabbed as On3’s No. 15 ranked quarterback in the Class of 2025.

“I’m really excited to get on the field with those guys,” Heupel continued. “We’ve found a way to win with different quarterbacks in my career on the offensive side of the ball and we’re gonna find a way to win with the guy that earns the starting spot as we go through training camp here in August.”

The new look Volunteers open their 2025 schedule on August 30 against Syracuse in the Aflac Kickoff Game. Along with the loss of Iamaleava, Tennessee lost leading rusher Dylan Sampson, leading receivers Dont’e Thornton Jr, Bru McCoy and Squirrel White this offseason.

Since Heupel has taken over as the head coach in Knoxville prior to the 2021 season, no Tennessee quarterback has passed for less than 2,600 yards and 19 touchdowns.