Quarterback Carousel: Tennessee and UCLA at the Center of College Football’s Latest Wild Twist
In an offseason already defined by unprecedented chaos, the college football world is once again shaken by reports suggesting a potential quarterback trade of sorts between two of the nation’s storied programs—Tennessee and UCLA. While college football doesn’t have an official trade mechanism like the NFL, the movement of players through the NCAA Transfer Portal has effectively created a world where roster swaps and unofficial “trades” are possible. This latest development, with quarterbacks from Tennessee and UCLA potentially switching programs, underscores the new age of the sport—one driven by the portal, name-image-likeness (NIL) deals, and a mounting sense of impermanence.
Sources close to both programs suggest talks are ongoing, with mutual interest between UCLA’s current quarterback and the Volunteers, and a Tennessee signal-caller reportedly eyeing a move to Westwood. While nothing has been finalized, the buzz is legitimate and has sent shockwaves across fanbases, social media platforms, and locker rooms alike.
For Tennessee, the potential departure of one of its quarterbacks—whether it’s a rising starter or a talented backup—comes amid a transitional phase. With Nico Iamaleava having recently declared for the NFL Draft, the Vols are trying to recalibrate their quarterback room heading into the 2025 season. Iamaleava, the five-star prodigy with all the tools to be a superstar, flashed promise but opted to take the leap to the pros after just one full season as a starter. His departure left head coach Josh Heupel with questions at the position, but also with an opportunity to find a fresh face who better fits his high-tempo, spread-out system.
The quarterback currently in question on Tennessee’s end is reportedly looking for a system that emphasizes pro-style concepts and showcases NFL-readiness—a trait not always synonymous with Heupel’s up-tempo style. The player has no shortage of arm talent but has been caught in the shadow of Iamaleava and the Vols’ offensive design, which heavily relies on pace and space more than traditional drop-back passing. For that quarterback, UCLA could be an ideal fit.
Under new head coach DeShaun Foster, who took over the Bruins program after Chip Kelly’s departure to become Ohio State’s offensive coordinator, UCLA is undergoing its own reinvention. Foster has vowed to retain elements of Kelly’s offensive innovation while blending it with a more physical, balanced attack. He’s been vocal about giving quarterbacks the flexibility to operate at the line of scrimmage and read defenses in a more NFL-like fashion. That style, combined with the Bruins’ need for a steady, experienced hand at the position, makes the incoming Tennessee quarterback a desirable target.
On the other side of the potential trade, UCLA’s current quarterback—believed to be a former high-profile recruit who saw sporadic playing time in 2024—is rumored to be strongly considering a move to Knoxville. The Bruins’ starter or top backup, depending on how the roster shakes out, is known for his athleticism, live arm, and improvisational ability. While he hasn’t fully broken out yet in Westwood, scouts and analysts agree that he possesses untapped potential. Tennessee’s offense, which thrives on space, tempo, and vertical shots downfield, could unlock his strengths in a way that UCLA’s scheme hasn’t.
The possible exchange isn’t just about scheme fit—it’s also about opportunity. Both quarterbacks see a clearer path to starting roles and long-term development at their new prospective homes. In a college football landscape that now includes free agency in all but name, such mutually beneficial moves are becoming more commonplace.
Beyond the tactical and developmental angles, the NIL factor looms large over this potential QB swap. Both Tennessee and UCLA have powerful NIL collectives capable of sweetening the deal for incoming talent. The Vols’ collective, “Spyre Sports Group,” has been one of the most aggressive in the country, helping Tennessee become a player in the portal year after year. UCLA, meanwhile, has increased its NIL visibility in the post-Kelly era, aiming to capitalize on its Los Angeles market and rich alumni base.
For quarterbacks, whose brands can blossom with visibility, winning, and statistical output, these factors weigh heavily in transfer decisions. Tennessee offers SEC exposure, packed stadiums, and national television slots. UCLA counters with the allure of L.A., a rejuvenated program under Foster, and a potentially easier path to postseason play through the Big Ten’s evolving playoff format.
If the swap materializes, it will mark one of the most unconventional and high-profile player movements in recent memory—not just because of the talent involved, but because of the optics. The idea of two programs essentially swapping QBs, even unofficially, feels foreign to the traditions of college football. Yet in this era, nothing is sacred. Loyalty has been replaced by leverage. Redshirting has given way to rerouting. And recruiting pitches are no longer just about facilities and playing time—they’re about NIL guarantees, scheme compatibility, and the promise of professional preparation.
This evolving model of roster construction has drawn both praise and criticism. Supporters argue that it gives players the freedom and flexibility they deserve. Critics contend that it has turned the sport into chaos, with no real accountability or long-term program building. Coaches have expressed frustration over the difficulty of managing rosters year to year. Fans have had to embrace a new reality where the quarterback they cheered on last fall could be lining up for a rival the next.
In Tennessee’s case, a quarterback transfer is nothing new. The program has seen a carousel at the position since the days of Jarrett Guarantano, with names like Hendon Hooker, Joe Milton, and Iamaleava all taking turns in the spotlight. Hooker, perhaps the most successful of the bunch, transferred in from Virginia Tech and thrived in Heupel’s system. The Vols are hoping lightning strikes again.
At UCLA, the quarterback position has also been a revolving door. Dorian Thompson-Robinson carried the program for several years but left a vacuum when he graduated. Since then, the Bruins have tried to develop in-house talent and explore the portal with mixed results. The potential arrival of a Tennessee transfer could signal Foster’s desire to solidify the position with experience and leadership.
If and when the move becomes official, the two quarterbacks will be tied together—each a reflection of the other’s journey. For Tennessee, it’s about staying relevant in the cutthroat SEC East. For UCLA, it’s about building momentum in a new Big Ten world. For both players, it’s about seizing control of their careers and finding the right place to shine.
College football’s madness isn’t limited to Saturdays in the fall. The real drama now unfolds in spring meetings, portal negotiations, and NIL boardrooms. As Tennessee and UCLA potentially engineer a QB swap that would’ve been unthinkable just a few years ago, the rest of the sport watches—and prepares for what might come next.
Because if this era of college football has taught us anything, it’s that the only constant is change. And sometimes, change wears a new jersey, runs out of a different tunnel, and leads a different team down the field on a crisp Saturday afternoon.
