Tennessee Fans Already Divided on Future Starting Quarterback Between Joey Aguilar, Jake Merklinger, and Five-Star George MacIntyre
As Tennessee football gears up for what promises to be another pivotal season under head coach Josh Heupel, an intriguing subplot is already capturing the attention—and emotions—of Volunteer Nation: the future of the quarterback position. With current starter Nico Iamaleava firmly in place for the 2025 season, some fans have turned their attention to what’s next, sparking lively debates about who might emerge as the heir apparent when Nico eventually moves on to the NFL. Three names dominate the early conversation—Appalachian State transfer Joey Aguilar, redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger, and five-star 2025 commit George MacIntyre. Though all three bring different skills, backgrounds, and potential, Tennessee fans are already picking favorites, igniting a quarterback discussion that could stretch well into the next two seasons.
Joey Aguilar is the most experienced of the trio. The former Appalachian State star transferred to Tennessee after a record-breaking campaign in the Sun Belt, where he threw for over 3,500 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2023. Known for his arm strength, quick release, and pocket poise, Aguilar drew interest from multiple Power Five programs before ultimately choosing the Vols. His decision to transfer to Tennessee was seen as both a strategic depth move for the Vols and a potential bridge option should Nico declare early for the NFL Draft. Aguilar brings something Tennessee has lacked behind its starter in recent years—proven college experience.
Fans who favor Aguilar point to his production at Appalachian State and his seamless fit in Heupel’s up-tempo, vertical offense. He processes defenses quickly, can make every throw on the field, and has shown a knack for creating plays under pressure. Some believe he could step in and start immediately if needed, giving Tennessee a veteran presence and keeping the offense humming without skipping a beat. Aguilar’s mature approach and steady demeanor have also won over several insiders during early offseason workouts. While he’ll likely serve as Nico’s backup in 2025, he remains a strong contender to start in 2026—especially if he chooses to use his final year of eligibility.
Then there’s Jake Merklinger, the highly regarded redshirt freshman from Savannah, Georgia. A four-star prospect in the 2024 class, Merklinger chose Tennessee over Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan State, drawn by Heupel’s quarterback-friendly scheme and the chance to develop behind Iamaleava. While he didn’t see the field in 2024, Merklinger reportedly made significant strides in practices, earning praise for his accuracy, competitive nature, and football IQ. At 6-foot-3 and around 210 pounds, he possesses prototypical size and athleticism, with enough mobility to extend plays and a sharp release that fits Heupel’s system well.
Supporters of Merklinger argue that his time within the system gives him an edge. He knows the terminology, the reads, the cadence of the offense, and he’s spent valuable reps learning behind one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country. Unlike Aguilar, who must learn the nuances of the playbook quickly, Merklinger has already been immersed in it for over a year. Fans who believe in player development and continuity see Merklinger as the long-term answer, someone who could potentially start multiple seasons and maintain Tennessee’s momentum post-Nico. He’s drawn comparisons to former Vol quarterbacks who thrived after redshirting, and his leadership qualities are said to be emerging more prominently behind the scenes.
And then there’s George MacIntyre, the five-star quarterback from Brentwood Academy in Tennessee and the crown jewel of the Vols’ 2025 recruiting class. Standing at 6-foot-6 with elite arm talent, MacIntyre is already being touted as the next great Volunteer quarterback. Ranked among the top three signal-callers in the nation by every major recruiting service, MacIntyre committed to Tennessee early in the cycle and has remained solid, even as national programs like Alabama, Michigan, and LSU continued to pursue him. His combination of size, touch, athleticism, and intelligence has scouts buzzing, and his ceiling might be the highest of any quarterback Tennessee has signed in the last 20 years.
MacIntyre’s supporters view him as a generational talent who should have the opportunity to compete for the starting job as soon as he arrives on campus. His advanced mechanics, calm under pressure, and natural leadership have already made him a fan favorite—even before he’s played a snap in college. Some believe that by the time Iamaleava departs, MacIntyre will be too good to keep off the field. Though he’ll be a true freshman in 2026, the modern trend of elite quarterbacks starting early has made fans more open to the idea of skipping the traditional development curve. With national championship aspirations, many want the most dynamic and high-upside player at the helm—and for them, that’s clearly MacIntyre.
The debate among fans has already taken shape across social media platforms, message boards, and even within Tennessee’s own campus community. Some are calling for a two-year plan that sees Aguilar hold down the fort in 2026 while MacIntyre redshirts and develops behind him. Others want a true competition between MacIntyre and Merklinger to determine the next face of the program. A few believe that if MacIntyre is as good as advertised, the staff should hand him the reins and let him lead from day one. Each scenario carries its own risks and benefits, and much of it will depend on how players perform in practice, how quickly they grasp the offense, and how Tennessee’s roster evolves over the next two seasons.
Josh Heupel, known for his quarterback development acumen, will ultimately make the final call. Since arriving in Knoxville, he’s turned Hendon Hooker into a Heisman contender, developed Joe Milton into a capable SEC starter, and now has Nico Iamaleava trending toward being a top NFL draft pick. His ability to evaluate and prepare quarterbacks is one of the defining traits of his tenure. Heupel has been careful not to rush young players, instead preferring to give them time to grow mentally and physically before inserting them into the starting role. That patience, combined with strategic use of the transfer portal, has allowed Tennessee to avoid quarterback controversies while maintaining continuity.
But as the talent level continues to rise, so does the pressure. Volunteer fans are as passionate and knowledgeable as any in the country, and they know the importance of quarterback play in achieving championship goals. With the expanded College Football Playoff format and increasing parity across the SEC, having the right player at the helm has never been more crucial. Fans are hungry not just for wins, but for sustained excellence—and in their eyes, that begins with making the right choice at quarterback post-Nico.
It’s worth noting that the current quarterback room at Tennessee might undergo further changes before any of these decisions are finalized. The transfer portal has made it more likely than ever that at least one highly rated quarterback will seek opportunities elsewhere if they feel buried on the depth chart. That means Tennessee must balance competition with retention, ensuring that players feel valued and see a clear development path. Managing egos, expectations, and NIL opportunities is now just as important as X’s and O’s when it comes to quarterback rooms.
Regardless of how things shake out, Tennessee’s quarterback future looks bright. Whether it’s the proven poise and experience of Joey Aguilar, the homegrown development and system familiarity of Jake Merklinger, or the elite pedigree and sky-high potential of George MacIntyre, the Vols are in a strong position. Depth, talent, and competition are all present, and that’s exactly the environment Heupel has sought to create since arriving in Knoxville.
The fanbase, meanwhile, will continue to speculate, analyze practice reports, debate recruiting rankings, and watch every glimpse of spring games and highlight clips with feverish attention. That’s the nature of football in the South, especially when a program like Tennessee is trending upward. Everyone wants to know who’s next, who’s best, and who gives the team the greatest shot at glory.
Ultimately, time will tell who rises to the top. But one thing is clear: whether it’s Joey Aguilar, Jake Merklinger, or George MacIntyre, the race to become Tennessee’s next great quarterback is already underway—and the fans are watching every step of the way.
