Tennessee couldn’t have asked for a much better start in the Transfer Portal, with the Vols being linked to top-tier talent and securing a commitment just two days after the portal opened. The coaching staff has worked nonstop to schedule visits and pursue their top targets.
Heading into the offseason, Tennessee football's most significant question mark is who will be QB1 next fall? Josh Heupel will need to replace Joey Aguilar with a veteran option, unless Aguilar can pull off a miracle and get one more year of eligibility. Rumors have been swirling around a potential replacement from an elite program, and it seems these rumors have even more legs to them.
Yesterday, Tom Loy of 247Sports reported that Ty Simpson does have interest in Tennessee if he doesn't get the first-round grade he's hoping for in the NFL Draft. Today, there appears to be some evidence to back that up, as Simpson's agent has said, "he is still evaluating everything with his family and close advisors."
This makes yesterdays report sound more realistic.👀 https://t.co/8yl0HfPnkS
— Tri-Star Network (@TriStar_Network) January 4, 2026
Ty Simpson could be the Vols QB1 in 2026
If Josh Heupel is able to pull this off, this would be a significant development. Replacing Aguilar with one of the best quarterbacks in college football would instantly have the Vols in the College Football Playoff conversation in 2026. Not only that, the domino effect of landing Simposn would be major on the recruitment trial. Other blue-chip talents will want to join him in Knoxville.
In 2025, Simpson was very efficient. He had 3567 yards, completing 64.5% of his passes and 28 touchdown throws to just five interceptions. Simpson is a smart quarterback who can process a defense quickly and get the ball out fast and accurately. He is the exact kind of quarterback that would fit in Heupel's system.
That said, landing Simpson will be a difficult task. He has not entered the transfer portal, and if he does, Tennessee would be competing with several elite programs for his commitment. If Alabama does decide to go with Keelon Russell next fall and Simpson doesn't get the NFL Draft grade he is hoping for, the stars could align for the Vols.
I'm not trying to get everyones hopes up, but this is a situation to monitor. Josh Heupel is one step closer to making one of the biggest splashes in the nation.