This spring, Tennessee football has welcomed back a star-studded list of visitors. Along with this past year’s group of graduates heading to the NFL, the likes of Hendon Hooker, Alvin Kamara, Byron Young and now Josh Dobbs have been in attendance.
Dobbs, a former star quarterback for the Vols under Butch Jones, was in Knoxville on Thursday. He was photographed by UT, showing him talking to the QB room and head coach Josh Heupel.
Dobbs is currently an unsigned free agent in the NFL. He most recently played for the Patriots, serving as the backup on the New England team that lost in the Super Bowl to the Seahawks. However, he was released this past March.
Great to have @josh_dobbs1 back on Rocky Top today. 🚀#VFL | #GBO 🍊 pic.twitter.com/OsDaBzqoAz
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) April 9, 2026
More From RTI: An SEC Game for Transfer TE Trent Thomas Was Enough to Gain the Trust of Tennessee’s Coaching Staff
Dobbs played for Tennessee from 2013-16. That final year, he was named an All-SEC Second-Team member for his incredible season, which featured wins over Florida and Georgia. The team finished 9-4, though, despite a terrific start to the year.
In his senior season, Dobbs produced 2,946 passing yards with 27 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also ran for 831 yards and 13 scores. As a result, he was selected in the 4th round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He’s played for the Steelers, Jaguars, Browns, Lions, Titans, Cardinals, Vikings, 49ers and Patriots in his career to this point.
Now, Tennessee is looking to find its next star at quarterback. The Vols are hosting a battle between George MacIntyre, Faizon Brandon and Ryan Staub. The decision isn’t expected until fall camp at the earliest, though.
On Saturday, the trio of quarterbacks will be competing in front of UT fans at the annual Orange & White Game. It is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. ET with attendance free for fans. It will not be broadcasted.
