Yesterday, the news dropped that Joey Aguilar appears to have the inside track on the starting quarterback job.
But CBSSports com writer Matt Zenith says that the job is far from settled and Aguilar continues to battle with redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger. Zenith also acknowledges that Aguilar is the frontrunner, but as long as Merklinger gets some practice reps with the first team, he has a chance.
The latest on the QB competitions at Notre Dame, Ohio State, Michigan, Colorado and Tennessee: https://t.co/sfQEaE3gcv pic.twitter.com/V76yeoKVPn
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) August 14, 2025
Zenith writes: "Those two split reps with the first-team offense during the Vols' scrimmage last weekend. However, it does seem like Aguilar may have a slight edge in this battle at the moment. ... Four-star true freshman George MacIntyre has stood out at times during camp as well, but he doesn't seem to be a real factor in the competition at this point."
My thoughts: Merklinger's presence may bring the best out of Aguilar
In my earlier story I mentioned why I believe Aguilar is the right guy for the Volunteers right now. He's an older player (24) that started from the bottom of the California jucos, did two years in G5 with Appalachian State and got to the SEC. Aguilar has his degree and will now play in the best conference in college football. He's already a success story.
Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar on what's fueling him:
— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) July 29, 2025
"What motivates me? I wouldn't even say proving people wrong. I've been doubted my whole life. For myself, for my family, just seeing their kid on the highest stage playing the game that he loves." pic.twitter.com/1f7De784X2
""What motivates me is just...I won't say proving people wrong, you know? I've been doubted my whole life.""Joey Aguilar
We're all rooting for Aguilar because he's easy to root for and feels like a breath of fresh air after dealing with all the noise around Nico Iamaleava. We also want Merklinger to stay in Aguilar's back pocket because it not only strengthens the quarterback room, but I believe Aguilar is a player that plays best when he's hungry.
A lot of fans are pointing at his higher interception numbers last season and I believe that some of the issues came from comfort. For the first time in Aguilar's career, he was the established guy, and maybe he took his foot off the gas a little.
That's not going to happen with Tennessee, not with Merklinger breathing down his neck and not with the expectations of the Big Orange Army. Aguilar knows the type of talent that's behind him, and he knows he has to bring his best game every week to keep the former blue-chip prospect at bay.
This is why I believe we'll see an incredible season from Aguilar.