UCLA quarterback Joey Aguilar is expected to transfer to Tennessee football, shaking up a position that had already undergone plenty of change since Nico Iamaleava’s departure.
And there’s about to be a stark contrast in UT’s quarterback room.
The Vols already have Jake Merklinger and George MacIntyre at quarterback. Aguilar did not get a Division I offer out of high school, but he developed into a record-breaking quarterback at Appalachian State before transferring to UCLA.
What will Tennessee coach Josh Heupel do with the revamped trio of quarterbacks? Here’s a look at the position for the 2025 season.
Jake Merklinger isn’t Joey Aguilar’s backup yet
Heupel always emphasizes that no starting position is promised to a recruit or transfer. Don’t expect that to change in this instance.
But UT isn’t bringing Aguilar across the country – and presumably paying him well in NIL money – to hold a clipboard on the sideline. He passed for 6,760 yards and 56 touchdowns in two seasons at Appalachian State.
That being said, Merklinger is a talented quarterback, and he has a 15-month head-start on Aguilar in Heupel’s offense. Assuming Merklinger doesn’t enter the transfer portal before it closes April 25, they could stage a preseason battle for the starting position.
Their competition will feature familiarity versus experience. But whoever gives the Vols the best chance to beat Syracuse on Aug. 30 in the season opener will start.
Tennessee quarterback future is unchanged
UT had a quarterback succession plan that Iamaleava derailed. But his exit and Aguilar’s arrival don’t have to change that beyond the 2025 season.
Merklinger, a former four-star recruit, will be a redshirt freshman in the 2025 season. At worst, he can serve as Aguilar’s backup, just as he would have for Iamaleava.
MacIntyre, another four-star recruit, was likely facing a redshirt year to gain weight, hone his skills and learn the offense. He can still do that.
And five-star recruit Faizon Brandon, who is committed to UT in the 2026 class, can still sign with the Vols in December.
Merklinger, MacIntyre and Brandon were on schedule to compete for the starting job in 2026. They can still follow that timeline with Aguilar on the roster because he has only one season of eligibility remaining.
Josh Heupel could tweak offense for Aguilar like Nico Iamaleava
Heupel has shown he can work with any kind of quarterback and have success. He’s done it with pocket passers, dual threat quarterbacks, veterans and freshmen at Oklahoma, Missouri, UCF and Tennessee.
In spring practice, Heupel and offensive coordinator Joey Halzle tweaked the offense to better fit Iamaleava. Now could they make subtle changes again to fit Aguilar’s skillset?
Heupel’s offense worked best when Hendon Hooker was making quick reads on passes and breaking off quarterback runs. It’s unfair to compare Aguilar to Hooker, but there are at least some similarities in their skillsets.
Aguilar is a tough player who can run and throw effectively. Merklinger is also mobile, so the offense should work similarly with either quarterback.
Merklinger can help Aguilar learn offense quickly
Spring practice is over, so Aguilar missed valuable reps learning Tennessee’s offense. Blame Iamaleava’s abrupt exit for putting the Vols in that predicament.
But not every opportunity is lost. In recent years, the NCAA changed its rules on offseason workouts. Player-led practices are allowed in the summer. And coaches can do limited on-field drills with players, as long as there’s no contact or opposing players.
Aguilar will get to study film with coaches, throw passes to receivers and run through the offense without a defense on the field.
Summer will seem like a whirlwind to the new Vols quarterback. As strange as it sounds, his best asset could be Merklinger.
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
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