ESPN writer sees Tennessee Vols' short-term outlook slightly brighter than that of Alabama Crimson Tide

Rittenburg had the following to say about Tennessee's quarterback position, particularly whether the Vols will have continuity at the position from 2025-26: 

"Highly unlikely. After making runs at several established Power 4 quarterbacks, Tennessee added Joey Aguilar in what was essentially a QB swap with UCLA. Aguilar went through the spring with the Bruins after transferring from Appalachian State, where he had two 3,000-yard passing seasons. He's a senior, so Tennessee will need a new starter in 2026, possibly redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger or incoming freshman George MacIntyre, an ESPN 300 recruit."

Rittenberg's analysis at the QB position - and the Vols' ranking - is interesting because Tennessee has Faizon Brandon, the #1 QB in the 2026 class, coming into the fold next offseason, and Rittenberg didn't seem to factor that into the QB analysis.  Tennessee should have an elite option who could supplant Merklinger and MacIntyre if neither secures the starting job in 2025 and takes firmly hold. 

Regardless, Tennessee has put itself in a position that didn't seem likely four years ago with Heupel before his first season - returning the program's name among the championship contenders, and quickly.  And Tennessee is there, competing again with rivals and making strides forward as a program.  

If they can continue to take new steps, particularly this fall against one or more of their three biggest rivals, there's no reason to think Rittenberg isn't spot on with his projection of where Tennessee falls in the hierarchy of college football.