QB 2026

[cgrish]

Maybe, but Mac couldn't beat out Joey or even Merk this year so I'm not about to solely count on him for 2026.

And if he's as good as you say, he should be able to beat out a senior QB from a mid major. Transferring in that situation would be very telling indeed.

From what I have read Hype never intended to play Mac this year regardless of how he did he wanted him to put on more weight. From everything I have read, Mac did better than any of them in practice, however, this is just what i have read. The only time I have seen him play was very briefly in one of our earlier games. I think no one really knows how good Mac could be until he is in game time. But if he is good, I would hate to lose him.

 

[vavolfan6]

G-Mac has looked really good in his limited time. If he gains the necessary weight to play, he is the clear favorite to start. I think Faizon will be given the opportunity to compete and potentially even given some packages where he is involved. But also probably be a redshirt candidate unless an emergency.

But becuase we have two 5* QBs on the roster next year, I don't think it will be feasible to bring an an established and experienced starter like Aguilar. You probably do what Ole Miss did and get someone who performed at a lower level and is willing to cash in as a backup at a high level D1 school.

 

[LAVol1]

Makes me wonder if Hype has a problem evaluating qb. He has not recruited a starting qb since he has been here. They have all been transfers. With this said, when he does have a qb that has the potential to be good, he does a very good job developing them. And also I would not trade Hype for any other hc.

It's tougher to evaluate a QB than any other position. If you look at the top 5 QBs coming out of high school each year for the last 10 years, less than 30% turn out to be worthy of their rating.

 

[Sarms58]

I think Merk hits (told) the portal, they bring in an upperclassman to compete and Faizon Brandon wins the job!

If either of this years backups hit the portal we’ll add another QB from the portal…we’ve got to have 3 SEC talented QBs…be interesting if both stay…we’ll have a redshirt sophomore, redshirt freshman and a true freshman competing for the job

 

[walkenvol]

The line of succession for 2026 is crystal clear. Merklinger up next, unless Merklinger really struggles and Macintyre can unseat him, with Brandon spending his first year getting acclimated with the system. If the staff gets a reputation for going out and headhunting senior QBs to transfer in and take the starting job away each year, why on earth would any QB sign with Tennessee out of high school?

What happened with Aguilar has worked out great for UT, but it was a stroke of dumb luck that Aguilar was on the other end of Iamaleava's transfer out. All UT did was swap Aguilar for Nico. 1 for 1 trade, no backsies. I think the original plan was to work with Nico, keep developing the other guys, and see how this year shook out with respect to QB play - it's just that Aguilar took Nico's place in the scheme. I think the rest of the QB room could accept that, since it was the plan and Aguilar's a one shot deal, but if you go out AGAIN and recruit over them ... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

Agree on there being some luck involved picking up a quality QB after spring training. But, we thought our QB situation was settled at the end of the season when the majority of the portal activity happened. This year if JA doesn’t get another season then we don’t have a settled QB situation and can pursue an older experienced QB if CJH decides the young guys need another year.

 

[cgrish]

It's tougher to evaluate a QB than any other position. If you look at the top 5 QBs coming out of high school each year for the last 10 years, less than 30% turn out to be worthy of their rating.

I think more needs to be evaluated from their film on hand of how quick they can get rid of the ball. Most any qb if given time can complete a pass. But what do they do when they are pressured, if they see a blitz can they get rid of the ball fast enough. In other words when looking at film on a qb if he has all day to throw the ball, that doesn't mean anything.

 

[ftsandersvol]

My guess it’s Gmac next year.