Tennessee QB Jake Merklinger plans to enter NCAA Transfer Portal

Tennessee redshirt freshman quarterback Jake Merklinger plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal after two years with the Volunteers, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.

As a freshman in 2024, Merklinger served as the Vols’ third-string quarterback, appearing in just two games: a blowout win over Kent State and against Chattanooga. Merklinger completed 6-of-9 passing for 48 yards while adding seven rushing attempts for 22 yards in mop-up duty.

He competed for the starting job this spring with Appalachian State transfer Joey Aguilar, but was ultimately beat out by the newcomer. Merklinger appeared in three games this season as the primary backup, completing 12 of 22 passes for 175 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder signed with Tennessee as a four-star recruit out of Calvary Day in Savannah, Ga., where he was the the 12th-best quarterback and No. 201 overall prospect in the 2023 class according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, an equally weighted average that utilizes all three major recruiting services.

He will have three years of eligibility remaining at his next destination.

Merklinger the latest Vols player to announce

His decision marks the sixth Tennessee player to announce their intentions to transfer this fall, joining safety Boo Carter, defensive lineman Jamal Wallace, edge rusher Kellen Lindstrom, safety Marcus Goree, and linebacker Brenden Anes.

Among that group, Carter has been the only player to see major playing time for Tennessee, while the others served as reserves and special teams players.

As for the Vols’ quarterback room, it’s set to look very different next fall. Aguilar, who started every game this season, is out of eligibility unless the NCAA is forced by the courts to adopt the position that years in junior college do not count toward a player’s five-year eligibility clock. Aguilar spent two years at the JuCo level before transferring to App State for two years. His season with the Vols marked his fifth year of eligibility.

It was reported last month that Aguilar was one of multiple players who added their names as plaintiffs to Diego Pavia’s lawsuit, which was initially filed in November 2024 seeking additional eligibility for those who previously played junior college football. 

Four-star 2025 signee George MacIntyre is set to return, and the Vols just signed five-star Faizon Brandon to their 2026 class. But the room will need more depth and experience with its top two QBs almost certainly gone.