The plan for QB

[Heupel's Side Chick]

I think is we get a cheap backup who can "compete for the job" (yes I think they still exist) so we don't potentially have to throw Brandon in there as a true freshman. If what people say is true, that George didn't play (much) due to his size, I think he is the guy and one of the (many) reasons we dumped our S&C. I think we'll bring in a new S&C guy who'll add a solid 10lbs of muscle on George in the off-season and he'll be our starter.

We're spending our money mainly on defense and maybe a RB, WR, OL. That's what I think at least and probably not a bad way to go about it.

 

[IndianaVol]

Heupel will kick the tires on a starting QB.
By most accounts, G Mac isn't sturdy enough / ready yet.
You don't throw Brandon out as QB1 until you see what you have or are pressed to by the circumstances.

 

[Heupel's Side Chick]

Agreed. I think that's what I said.

 

[rocytop2624]

You get a QB that can run and throw.
You build around him.
Then we build the defense.
Get a kicker.

 

[utvolpj]

All reports are that we are in the mix for the top of the list at QB. They aren't looking for a cheap backup at this point

 

[CAVPUT]

I think we need to go to a lower level and get a guy who can play but won't command an insane amount of NIL money. Count on him to start but if Mac or Brandon beat him out, all the better. I sure won't be looking at Leavitt or any of the other big names this cycle. Get another Aguilar type for next season. Two guys I kinda like are Becht and Josephs.

 

[Hacksaw]

George needs to add more than 10 lbs. If he adds 20, he'll be around 210. At 6'6" that's still pretty thin.

And it's almost impossible for a naturally lean kid to keep weight on once the season starts. He's got a busy off-season ahead of him. Back up the grocery truck.

 

[orangemadam]

Nobody knows. I personally think we go for a tier 2 qb similar to JA.

 

[volfanhill]

All 4 QB's left are portal QB's. It's the most important position in the game. Treat it as such

 

[Cobb-Webb 1989]

All reports are that we are in the mix for the top of the list at QB. They aren't looking for a cheap backup at this point.

edit

 

[Sarms58]

You don’t know if G. Mac or Brandon will be VOLs past the 2026 season…get the best QB you can to win now…

 

[SpaceCoastVol]

You don’t know if G. Mac or Brandon will be VOLs past the 2026 season…get the best QB you can to win now…

This is an ominous and true statement. Not only that, it is an indictment of college football as an entity.

VFL will be a rare thing indeed.

 

[#1fulmerite]

I say we bring in Lance Harbor if his knee is healed up. Plenty of experience can help coach too and, proven he’s tough.

 

[SubVet676]

All reports are that we are in the mix for the top of the list at QB. They aren't looking for a cheap backup at this point

This team has a lot of needs just to be competitive in the SEC next year. A lot. Add to that a new DC (takes time); new S&C (ditto); and the QB question is Top 10, but probably not even Top 5. The natives are getting restless, and it's readily apparent to even a casual observer (much less LWS or Deerpark) that there has been a high-level conversation about the future of Josh Heupel at UT. In short, anything less than another 8-4 / 5-4 season is going to turn the proverbial gas burner up on somebody's seat.

They'll go broad brush here, IMO. Address every need...get the best ROI you can...don't overcommit to any one player. Hope that getting better across the board pays off better than looking for "that guy".

At this point, what with the way 2025 ended, Coach Heupel has to set the program up for success in 2027. He can survive a 7-5 record next year. In 2027, that gets him a pink slip. So he's gotta play the long game, and hope 2027 is a breakout year. It starts now.

But I'm wrong a lot, so...

 

[Cobb-Webb 1989]

I say we bring in Lance Harbor if his knee is healed up. Plenty of experience can help coach too and, proven he’s tough.

Randall "Pink" Floyd, would fit the shoes

 

[Unconditional Surrender]

I think we need to go to a lower level and get a guy who can play but won't command an insane amount of NIL money. Count on him to start but if Mac or Brandon beat him out, all the better. I sure won't be looking at Leavitt or any of the other big names this cycle. Get another Aguilar type for next season. Two guys I kinda like are Becht and Josephs.

I agree. We are already paying two 5 stars. Surely to goodness one of them can play. We need that money at other spots.

 

[CAVPUT]

I agree. We are already paying two 5 stars. Surely to goodness one of them can play. We need that money at other spots.

My biggest fear is that we take the leap with Leavitt and he can't get healthy. Just not worth the risk IMO. We need a healthy guy to come in and compete.

 

[Cobb-Webb 1989]

My biggest fear is that we take the leap with Leavitt and he can't get healthy. Just not worth the risk IMO. We need a healthy guy to come in and compete.

What about Alonza Barnett

 

[Smokymtnbullet]

My biggest fear is that we take the leap with Leavitt and he can't get healthy. Just not worth the risk IMO. We need a healthy guy to come in and compete.

Reports say he’s headed to Kentucky

 

[Rocky Top T]

Got to get a starting QB.

 

[Other_Guy]

Heupel will kick the tires on a starting QB.
By most accounts, G Mac isn't sturdy enough / ready yet.
You don't throw Brandon out as QB1 until you see what you have or are pressed to by the circumstances.

Its amazing how many FR and SO are ready enough at places not named Tenn

 

[CAVPUT]

What about Alonza Barnett

Don't know much about him. Just need a guy who has the legs to get out of trouble and make plays like Pavia and Chambliss. If Ole Miss doesn't have a qb with his legs, they lose that game.

 

[CAVPUT]

Its amazing how many FR and SO are ready enough at places not named Tenn

Evals, coaching, and development....none are strengths with this staff....well..the 2025 staff.

 

[Cobb-Webb 1989]

Don't know much about him. Just need a guy who has the legs to get out of trouble and make plays like Pavia and Chambliss. If Ole Miss doesn't have a qb with his legs, they lose that game.

He is true duel threat. Dude has some legs.

 

[utvolpj]

Its amazing how many FR and SO are ready enough at places not named Tenn

The vast majority are not ready and never get ready at any school. This isn't a UT specific issue