Overview

• Josh Heupel maintained that the quarterback competition remains open after Tennessee’s first closed fall scrimmage and declined to name a starter
• On3 reporter Pete Nakos reported that Tennessee is trending toward naming former UCLA and Appalachian State transfer Joey Aguilar as its opening-day quarterback
• CBS Sports national reporter Matt Zenitz noted that Aguilar holds a slight edge over redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger following split reps with the first-team offense
• True freshman George MacIntyre has demonstrated notable accuracy and poise in camp but is still considered a developmental option behind the leading contenders
• Analysts including Bud Elliott have cautioned that trading Nico Iamaleava for Aguilar may lower Tennessee’s offensive ceiling and expose depth concerns