Tennessee’s Quarterback Competition Heats Up: Joey Aguilar, Jake Merklinger, and George MacIntyre Battle for 2025 Starting Role
Tennessee football is no stranger to quarterback competition, but the 2025 season brings a particularly fascinating showdown that has fans and analysts alike buzzing. With Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton gone, the Volunteers are in the middle of an open battle between three talented signal-callers: Appalachian State transfer Joey Aguilar, redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger, and incoming five-star freshman George MacIntyre. Each brings a unique skill set, background, and upside to the position, setting the stage for one of the most closely watched position battles in the SEC this offseason. For head coach Josh Heupel, the decision will not just define the upcoming season—it could shape the trajectory of Tennessee football for years to come.
Joey Aguilar is the oldest and most experienced of the trio. After a productive 2023 season at Appalachian State, Aguilar transferred to Tennessee looking to prove himself at a Power Five program. He threw for over 3,200 yards and 33 touchdowns last year, showcasing a strong arm, quick release, and the poise of a seasoned leader. His ability to make plays under pressure and lead drives in crunch time was on full display throughout the Sun Belt season. While his jump from Group of Five to SEC competition is significant, Aguilar’s maturity and on-field awareness give him a leg up in the battle for immediate playing time. Heupel’s up-tempo, vertical passing scheme could be a perfect fit for Aguilar’s style, especially given the Vols’ returning talent at wide receiver.
Jake Merklinger, meanwhile, enters the fray after a year of development in Heupel’s system. The Georgia native was a four-star recruit and one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the 2024 class. While he didn’t see the field in his true freshman season, reports from spring practice indicate he’s made major strides in terms of decision-making and command of the offense. Merklinger possesses a compact release, good mobility, and an advanced understanding of coverage schemes for a player his age. His chemistry with returning wideouts like Bru McCoy and Squirrel White has been noticeable, and his grasp of Heupel’s tempo and rhythm gives him a chance to win the job outright. While Aguilar has the edge in college experience, Merklinger’s familiarity with Tennessee’s system and rapport with teammates might narrow that gap considerably.
Then there’s George MacIntyre, the crown jewel of Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class. The five-star recruit from Brentwood Academy in Nashville is one of the most hyped quarterback prospects the state has produced in years. At 6’6” with a rocket arm, MacIntyre combines elite physical tools with advanced pocket presence and football IQ. He’s drawn comparisons to NFL quarterbacks for his mechanics, anticipation, and ability to make throws to all levels of the field. Though he just arrived on campus this summer, MacIntyre has been immersed in the playbook and is already turning heads in informal workouts. The talent gap between MacIntyre and most true freshmen is evident. He’s not just the quarterback of the future—he may be ready to compete for the job now. However, relying on a freshman in the brutal SEC grind is always a gamble, no matter how gifted the player.
Heupel’s offense thrives on rhythm, speed, and stretching defenses vertically. It’s a system that can elevate quarterbacks and produce big numbers, as seen during Hooker’s breakout in 2022 and Milton’s late-season surge in 2023. But it also demands quick decision-making, accuracy on deep throws, and the ability to process defenses on the fly. Each of the three candidates has shown glimpses of these traits, but none is the complete package yet. That’s why this battle is less about who looks the part and more about who can handle the mental and physical demands of the job.
Aguilar’s experience gives him a slight advantage early in fall camp. He’s battle-tested and unfazed by high-pressure environments, having led Appalachian State to a conference title game. His leadership has already made an impression on teammates, and he’s reportedly taken command in the locker room. Still, transitioning to the speed and complexity of SEC defenses will be a true test. Teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Florida won’t give him the kind of clean pockets or soft coverages he often saw in the Sun Belt. If he can adapt quickly and prove he can make the throws under duress, Aguilar could start the season as QB1.
Merklinger’s case is built more on potential and familiarity. Having spent a year learning the offense, building trust with coaches, and getting reps in practice, he enters camp with an insider’s knowledge of what Heupel wants. Coaches have praised his ability to read the field and make adjustments pre-snap, a skill critical to running Tennessee’s high-octane attack. He may not have Aguilar’s game-day experience or MacIntyre’s raw talent, but Merklinger could emerge as the most steady and consistent option. If he continues to progress through camp and preseason scrimmages, don’t be surprised if he’s the one taking the first snaps in the opener.
MacIntyre, though perhaps the long shot to start Week 1, is the X-factor. His ceiling is arguably higher than either of his competitors. He’s got an NFL arm, quick feet for his size, and a natural feel for the game that can’t be taught. If he picks up the system quickly and performs well in scrimmages, Heupel may be tempted to hand the keys to his prized recruit right away. Starting a true freshman in the SEC is always risky, but if MacIntyre flashes brilliance in camp, that risk might be worth it. More realistically, Tennessee could work him into the offense gradually, giving him time to adjust while preserving the team’s competitiveness.
The outcome of this battle will also depend on Tennessee’s supporting cast. The offensive line returns several key pieces but must be more consistent in pass protection than it was last year. The receiver room is loaded with talent and depth, including McCoy, White, Kaleb Webb, and transfer Chris Brazzell from Tulane. Running backs Dylan Sampson and Cameron Seldon provide explosiveness out of the backfield and could take pressure off the quarterback. In short, Tennessee doesn’t need a superhero at quarterback—they need someone who can distribute the ball, avoid turnovers, and keep the offense on schedule.
Josh Heupel’s handling of this quarterback competition will be crucial. The second he names a starter, the pressure will begin—both internally from the locker room and externally from fans and media. But Heupel has earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to QB development. His track record speaks volumes. He turned Drew Lock into an NFL prospect at Missouri, revitalized Hooker’s career, and helped Milton play his best football late in 2023. Now, he faces the challenge of managing three vastly different quarterbacks without fracturing the locker room or slowing the team’s momentum.
Ultimately, Tennessee fans should view this competition as a positive. Having three quality options is a luxury few programs enjoy. Injuries and inconsistency often dictate the need for multiple quarterbacks over the course of a season. And with the College Football Playoff expanding in 2025, the Vols need to be prepared for a longer, more grueling schedule. The best-case scenario is that someone clearly separates and seizes the job, allowing the offense to build rhythm and identity. The worst-case scenario is musical chairs that prevent the team from finding continuity.
As fall camp approaches, all eyes will be on Knoxville. Joey Aguilar, Jake Merklinger, and George MacIntyre each have a path to the starting job, but only one will be handed the keys to the offense when the Vols open their season against Chattanooga. Whether Tennessee is competing for an SEC title or merely trying to stay afloat in a loaded conference will depend heavily on how this battle plays out. In a quarterback-driven sport, there are few decisions more important—and few competitions more compelling—than what’s unfolding in Rocky Top this summer.
