The Vols will have their fifth different starting quarterback in as many seasons after Chancellor Chris Heagerty upheld NCAA eligibility rules in Knox County Chancery Court. Aguilar, who led the SEC with 3,565 passing yards in 2025, will now focus on the NFL combine after finishing his collegiate career.
The competition for the 2026 season begins March 16 with MacIntyre, a former four-star recruit, Brandon, a five-star prospect who enrolled early, and Colorado transfer Ryan Staub vying for the job. While Aguilar's departure creates uncertainty, the Vols aim to improve after an 8-5 season that ended outside the Top 25 for the first time since 2021.