With Joey Aguilar’s 2026 eligibility still up in the air, Josh Heupel has to be evaluating his quarterback room and exploring potential options at the position moving forward. It would be a surprise if he is back next year, but anything is possible in this era of college football.
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The quarterback position could ultimately make or break Tennessee’s season next fall. While Joey Aguilar offered a strong endorsement of George MacIntyre, it still feels more likely that Josh Heupel turns to the transfer portal to bring in a veteran quarterback to lead the offense.
According to On3’s Pete Nakos, a new name has emerged for Tennessee football as the transfer portal approaches. UNLV quarterback Anthony Colandrea has announced his intention to enter the portal, and Nakos notes that Tennessee is a program to keep an eye on in that recruitment.
Tennessee is a team to keep an eye on for UNLV Quarterback Anthony Colandrea, per @PeteNakos
— FOX Sports Knoxville (@FOXSportsKnox) December 27, 2025
“Sources have told On3 that UNLV transfer quarterback Anthony Colandrea is expected to command significant Power Four interest,” wrote Nakos. “While Florida State has started to… pic.twitter.com/4nXnksnV5E
Tennessee is a team to watch for Colandrea
That’s encouraging news, especially since it sounds like Heupel is serious about finding an experienced quarterback to bridge the gap for a season. Bringing in a veteran option would give George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon time to develop physically, learn the Heupel offense, and set up a competition in 2027.
Colandrea is a good option for Tennessee, too. He is by no means perfect, but he can fit nicely into the QB1 role. He is a true dual-threat option who is an accurate thrower. His decision-making needs work, but he was the Mountain West Player of the Year for a reason. In 2025 at UNLV, he had 3,459 yards with 23 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He completed 66% of his throws and led UNLV to a 10-4 season.
However, it sounds like there will be some very tough competition for Colandrea. Mike Norvell's seat is very hot at Florida State, and he will do whatever her can to make the roster as good as possible. Colandrea is also a Florida guy with ACC roots, so he does make sense for the Seminoles. It wasn't specified who, but other Power-Four schools will be in on Colandrea as well.
Overall this is a positive development that the Vols will be after one of the top portal quarterbacks. Making the wrong move could really set Tennessee back.