With Tennessee backup quarterback Jake Merklinger now planning to enter the transfer portal, it puts Tennessee football in an awkward spot. They could go out and grab a veteran backup or ride it out with the redshirt freshman George McIntyre and true freshman Faizon Brandon. This is all assuming Joey Aguilar will get another saeason in Knoxville
However, if Aguilar doesn't get another year of eligibility and loses the lawsuit, Tennessee could be in a whole different can of worms. Josh Heupel would likely be one of the biggest spenders in the transfer portal, bringing in a veteran signal-caller. The freshmen are talented, but Tennessee would likely bring in a proven starter to fill the void for a year while the young guys develop.
For the sake of this story we are going to assume Aguilar is back and Tennessee is looking for veteran backup options thats can fill in if Aguilar were to get hurt. Let's take a look.
1. Gavin Sukup, University of Indianapolis
We have seen quarterbacks make the jump from division II to the SEC like Trinidad Chambliss did from Ferris State to Ole Miss.
Gavin Sukup is one of the best quarterbacks you have never heard of. He is the first-ever three-time GLVC Offensive Player of the Year. In his career, he has thrown for 9,032 yards, 87 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions. Sukup has played in 36 career games, so he has the experience box checked off.
Sukup is a tough quarterback who possesses a dual-threat game. He's the perfect rental quarterback for Heupel, as he offers a veteran presence while also having the ability to compete at a high level.
Tennessee should definitely take a look at Sukup to fill the backup role.
2. Tyler Hughes, William & Mary
Tyler Hughes was one of the best FCS quarterbacks last fall. He threw for 2,330 yards, 20 touchdowns, and three interceptions. Hughes also had 670 rushing yards, showing off his dual-threat capability.
Hughes would be a nice fit at Tennessee. he can make the quick RPO reads, while also being able to extend plays with his legs. Plus, he is from Marietta, Georgia, so not too far from Knoxville.
Hughes doesn't have elite zip on his ball, but that's fine. He does the other stuff great. In a perfect world, he would never take a snap.
3. KJ Cooper, Texas Southern
KJ Cooper would be the perfect veteran backup option for Tennessee next fall. Cooper has prototypical size at 6-foot-5, 215 pounds, and a big arm that can make difficult throws.
In 2025, he threw for 1,611 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He also added nearly 300 yards on the ground, offering a dual-threat capability. Cooper started his career at Minnesota State Community & Technical College before transfering to Texas Southern.
Cooper offers a signal-caller with plenty of experience and the ability to run a Heupel style offense.