Tennessee football quarterback Joey Aguilar requested a preliminary injunction, which would allow him to return to the Vols next season, but was denied. Now, UT is turning the page and is ready to host a three-man quarterback battle this offseason.
The contenders are returning redshirt-freshman George MacIntyre, incoming five-star freshman Faizon Brandon and Colorado transfer Ryan Staub.
Before the group begins battling for the job this spring camp, we’re taking a look at the tape for each option. Here are MacIntyre’s, Brandon’s and now, watch Staub’s highlights below:
QB Ryan Staub helps the Buffaloes make it close at the half 😤
Watch the second half of Colorado-Houston on ESPN and the ESPN app 👀 pic.twitter.com/XbntvMT0oH
— ESPN (@espn) September 13, 2025
Some backyard ball from Ryan Staub… Omarion Miller does the rest 😮💨 #Big12FB | 📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/7lijOsSL7s
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) September 13, 2025
More From RTI: Why College Football Analyst Says That Faizon Brandon’s Turn ‘Could Come Sooner Rather Than Later This Fall’
In 2025, Staub played in five games for the Buffs, starting in one. He was joined by former Vol Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis in their quarterback room.
During the 2025 campaign, Staub completed 30-of-55 passes for 427 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions. He also ran for 30 yards and a score.
Staub played in four games in his redshirt-freshman season in 2024. In 2023, played in three games and started in one. He was a three-star prospect out of high school.
His leg up in the battle will be his experience, though he hasn’t found sustained success at the college level yet. However, compared to MacIntyre’s nine attempted passes and Brandon’s complete inexperience at the level, it’s a wealth of knowledge compared to the competition.
MacIntyre’s primary advantage is his experience in Josh Heupel’s system, though. He spent this past season as the third-string option behind Aguilar and Jake Merklinger, who has since transferred to UConn. Brandon’s advantage is his status as a five-star recruit and No. 3-ranked player in the 2026 class on 247, leading to assumptions of an extremely high ceiling.
More to follow: KY College football
