Tennessee's Expected Starting Quarterback Emerges Weeks Before College Football Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Arnab Mondal | Last updated Aug 10, 2025 1:28 PM ET

Nobody’s naming names. Not officially, anyway. But if you’ve been paying attention in Knoxville, you know the quarterback race isn’t as wide open as the coaches say. Saturday’s scrimmage gave the clearest picture yet, and one man has pulled slightly ahead.

Joey Aguilar, the UCLA Bruins transfer who lit it up for the Appalachian State Mountaineers, has been taking most first-team reps in camp. Sources told On3 that Aguilar has been “solid,” and his experience stands out. Jake Merklinger is still in the fight, working with the second team, while true freshman George MacIntyre runs with the thirds. Head coach Josh Heupel refuses to crown anyone, but his praise for Aguilar’s command of protections, run game control and quick learning curve speaks volumes.

That doesn’t mean the door is closed. Merklinger, steady and confident, isn’t backing down. And MacIntyre, the in-state four-star with a 6-foot-6 frame, quietly impressed in the first scrimmage, reportedly the most accurate passer of the day. Heupel admits the freshman has shown “good presence” and is developing faster than expected. Still, experience tends to win early-season jobs.

Aguilar Holds the Edge, but the Race Isn’t Over

Aguilar brings 24 career starts, 6,760 passing yards and 56 touchdowns into this battle. Heupel likes his progress but says there’s still room to tighten details. Merklinger, a redshirt freshman, offers upside and a year in Tennessee’s system. MacIntyre’s a tough call, but his composed nature could earn him more snaps against top defenders before camp ends.

Three weeks remain before the Aug. 30 opener against the Syracuse Orange in Atlanta. The reps may shuffle again. The poker game analogy fits: Three quarterbacks still at the table, nobody folding, but Aguilar stacking more chips than the others. If he keeps it up, Tennessee’s QB1 decision might already be made, even if Heupel won’t say it out loud.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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