Joey Aguilar will not be Tennessee football’s quarterback for the 2026 season. After holding a hearing with the request of a preliminary injunction, Judge Chris Heagerty ruled not to grant it, ending Aguilar’s college career.
With Aguilar now turning his attention to going pro and attending the NFL Scouting Combine, the Vols are forced to look elsewhere for their starting quarterback in 2026. There will be three options for that role. Redshirt-freshman George MacIntyre, true freshman Faizon Brandon and Colorado transfer Ryan Staub.
No matter who the choice is, the ruling not to grant the injunction to Aguilar puts Josh Heupel and Tennessee in a position where their quarterback will be inexperienced. MacIntyre played a limited role as the third-string option a year ago, Brandon hasn’t played a college snap and Staub was almost solely a reserve for the Buffs.
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When spring camp begins next month, it’ll kick off the three-man race. All three are currently on campus and taking part in workouts as they prepare for the year.
The winner of the job will be in a solid situation to take over an SEC offense, as well. Last season, Aguilar threw for an SEC-high 3,565 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Next year, it’ll be a lot of returning pieces from that recipe.
The primary departure was All-SEC receiver Chris Brazzell, who projects as a second-day draft pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. His counterparts, Braylon Staley and Mike Matthews, return, though. Second-year receivers Travis Smith Jr. and Radarious Jackson and five-star freshman TK Keys will compete for the third spot.
At tight end, Tennessee loses Miles Kitselman, but returns Ethan Davis. While coming into his own as a blocker, Davis has shown the ability to be an elite catching tight end, as well.
The offensive line also returns four of five starters. The only departure is left tackle Lance Heard, who left to go to Kentucky.
