Josh Heupel comments on QB competition: "This program is bigger than one person"

Josh Heupel took the podium at SEC Media Days on Tuesday, which included time speaking with the media and TV interviews. One of the most discussed situations is the ensuing quarterback competition, and Heupel didn't shy away from answering the questions everyone wanted to hear. 

Heupel is known for being a players' coach, and this has been evident in his connection with the players he brings on campus, as they buy into the system. He has brought the best out of players on both sides of the ball, and it has shown as the offense and defense have demonstrated that they can be one of the best in football since Heupel arrived on campus. 

Tennessee is going to have to navigate 2025 with a new perspective, though. For the first time since Heupel arrived in Knoxville, we don't know who the starting quarterback will be for the season. 

It looks like it could be Joey Aguilar's job to lose, but we won't know that until we see each quarterback competing for the job throughout Fall camp. 

Heupel joined SportsCenter to discuss the upcoming QB battle and how they plan to approach it within the program, while also taking a jab at former quarterback Nico Iamaleava. 

"Our players have handled it extremely well. We're going into training camp, have a competition with three guys, and somebody is going to learn it, earn it, and go take a job. We're looking forward to that competition as we head into training camp.

"Inside our team room, we always talk about this program is bigger than one person. Next man up mentality, we're certainly going to have to do that at the quarterback position this Fall ... really proud of how our guys have handled it, but as much as anything how they've grown and competed every single day."

Competition is a significant part of Heupel's program, and the Vols are continuing to invest heavily in the competition phase of football. It brings out the best in every player and can be a reason why Tennessee surprises people this season. 

The Vols are expected to take a significant fall in production this year without Nico at quarterback, but with Heupel's system in place, a strong defense, and offensive weapons returning, the Vols could surprise people once it's time to kick off.