Tennessee Football’s Quarterback Future: Who Could Step In as QB1 in 2025? Jake Merklinger recruit from Georgia, Merklinger has had a year in the system and has reportedly impressed coaches with his work ethic” George MacIntyre**, on the other hand, is the future of the program. The 6-foot-5 signal-caller was one of the top-ranked quarterbacks in the 2024 class.
With the sudden and surprising departure of redshirt sophomore Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee football finds itself at a major turning point. Iamaleava, a former five-star recruit and projected starter, no-showed the Vols’ final spring practice and didn’t participate in the Orange & White Game. His decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal creates a ripple effect across the quarterback room and opens the door for new contenders to emerge.
Head coach Josh Heupel addressed the situation with grace, acknowledging Iamaleava’s contributions but reinforcing the program’s core values. “There’s no one that’s bigger than the Power T,” Heupel said. Now, Tennessee must move forward, and quickly, with the NCAA transfer portal opening on Wednesday and closing on April 25.
Currently, the Vols’ quarterback unit includes redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and early enrollee George MacIntyre. Both are promising young talents, but the question remains: who is ready to take the reins as QB1, and should Tennessee look to the transfer portal for reinforcements?
Jake Merklinger may be the most logical in-house candidate. A former four-star recruit from Georgia, Merklinger has had a year in the system and has reportedly impressed coaches with his work ethic and accuracy. His understanding of the offense gives him a head start, and he showcased flashes of poise during spring practices. While he lacks game experience, he’s an intriguing option with long-term upside.
George MacIntyre on the other hand, is the future of the program. The 6-foot-5 signal-caller was one of the top-ranked quarterbacks in the 2024 class and enrolled early to get a jump start on his development. He has all the physical tools—size, arm strength, and mobility—and he’s a natural leader. However, throwing a true freshman into the starting role in the SEC is a massive challenge. MacIntyre’s ceiling is sky-high, but he may need more time to acclimate to the speed and complexity of the college game.
With only two scholarship quarterbacks on the roster, Tennessee will almost certainly explore the transfer portal. Several experienced QBs are expected to become available, and Heupel’s offensive system is attractive to players looking to boost their draft stock or revitalize their careers.
Ideal portal targets would include quarterbacks with multiple years of experience, a proven track record in a pass-heavy offense, and the ability to step in and lead immediately. Think of players from Group of Five programs or former blue-chip recruits who haven’t found the right fit elsewhere. Heupel’s up-tempo, quarterback-friendly scheme is a major selling point, and Tennessee’s roster is talented enough to compete for an SEC title with the right signal-caller.
As the Vols prepare to enter a critical stretch in the offseason, all eyes will be on how the quarterback situation unfolds. Whether it’s Merklinger, MacIntyre, or a new face via the portal, Tennessee’s future under center remains promising—but the next few weeks will be pivotal. The Power T isn’t just a logo; it’s a standard. And the race for QB1 is officially on.
