Tennessee Volunteers Football

Tag: Tennessee Volunteers Football

Joey Aguilar named Vols new QB ahead of opener

The University of Tennessee Volunteers announced Sunday transfer quarterback Joey Aguilar will start under center for the season opener against Syracuse on August 30. The coaching staff informed the team during a closed-door meeting, according to reports from the Knoxville News Sentinel later confirmed in the following Instagram post.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DNeg4UoMuRn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Aguilar, a transfer from UCLA, beat out redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and incoming freshman George MacIntyre for the job. The decision solidifies a crucial position for an offense looking to sustain momentum from a landmark 2024 campaign.

The California native arrived in May after one season with the Bruins, but he’s best known for his prolific two-year stretch at Appalachian State. There, Aguilar threw for 6,760 yards and 56 touchdowns in just 25 appearances, showcasing a deep-ball accuracy and pocket presence that made him a coveted addition in the transfer portal.

Tennessee lost former starter Nico Iamaleava to UCLA this offseason — a twist of fate considering Aguilar made the reverse move. Iamaleava led the team to its first-ever College Football Playoff berth last year, raising expectations in Knoxville ahead of 2025.

Now, the pressure shifts to Aguilar to keep Tennessee among the SEC’s elite. With a strong supporting cast and a season-opening showcase against Syracuse, the Vols are banking on experience over youth at the most important position on the field.

The opener marks a fresh chapter for a program still buzzing from its 2024 success — and Aguilar will be the one holding the pen.

Boo Carter returns to Tennessee practice amid uncertainty about role

Sophomore defensive back Boo Carter returned to practice in uniform Tuesday morning as Tennessee resumed fall camp, taking part in open drills for the first time this preseason, per On3’s Austin Price. His appearance marked a clear step forward after beginning camp with workouts on the sidelines.

Carter had been absent from team workouts and offseason activities leading into the start of camp. After addressing his teammates last week, he was gradually reintegrated, returning to the field with a helmet during Saturday’s session and officially joining drills Tuesday morning.

“He’s here, he’s with us,” head coach Josh Heupel said Tuesday, per On3’s Grant Ramey. “And each day we’ll figure out what comes next.”

Heupel emphasized that Carter’s return is ongoing and dependent on completing internal requirements. The details remain unclear, and the coaching staff has declined to set a public timetable for Carter’s full reintegration into team activities.

“There’s some things he’s got to accomplish to get back on the field with us,” Heupel said. “Our leadership council has been involved every step of the way. They care deeply about Boo and want the best for him, as we all do.”

Last week, Carter made visits to Children’s Hospital in Knoxville and appeared to take steps to reconnect with the team off the field. Heupel confirmed that conversations with Carter have continued behind the scenes, but also acknowledged frustrations.

“Disappointed with how some things were handled,” Heupel admitted. “But our focus is on what happens now, not what happened yesterday. We’re moving forward.”

The Vols open their season on August 30th against the Syracuse Orange in the Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Whether Carter will suit up for that matchup remains to be seen.

For now, Tennessee continues preparing for the season with Carter back in the mix — albeit with his long-term role still to be determined.

ESPN Labels Georgia-Tennessee as pivotal swing game for the upcoming season

When scanning Georgia’s brutal 2025 football schedule—home dates with Alabama, Ole Miss, and Texas, plus road trips to Florida, Auburn, and Georgia Tech—it’s easy to circle several high-stakes matchups. But ESPN’s Mark Schlabach has singled out one game that could quietly swing the Bulldogs’ season: Sept. 13 at Tennessee.

It may not carry the SEC prestige of Alabama or the pageantry of the Florida rivalry, but the road clash against the Volunteers represents a critical turning point early in Georgia’s conference slate.

“It will be a significant road test for starting quarterback Gunner Stockton and the offense playing in one of the most intimidating road environments in the SEC,” Schlabach wrote. He noted that while Georgia has won eight straight against Tennessee—and 13 of the last 15—the Volunteers were a College Football Playoff team last season.

A Crucial Early Test in Knoxville
Georgia enters the season with a young, talented roster led by Stockton, who is stepping into the starting role under massive expectations. Opening with Marshall and Austin Peay should ease him into the job, but Week 3 at Neyland Stadium could be his first true trial by fire.

Kirby Smart is hold a dominant 8-1 against Tennessee since taking over in Athens, the lone loss coming in 2016 on a Hail Mary. Georgia has dominated recent matchups in Knoxville, winning the last four by 24 or more points. But with Alabama looming the following week, Smart and company can’t afford to get caught looking ahead.

Tennessee Reloading After Playoff Push
The Volunteers must replace starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava and leading rusher Dylan Sampson, but their physical run game and defense remain the backbone of Josh Heupel’s program. Heupel understands the significance of this matchup, saying at SEC Media Days, “It will be important for us — that’s Week 3 — that we’re ready to go play at the level we need to against a really good football team.”

Despite Georgia’s recent dominance, Tennessee’s playoff pedigree and hostile home crowd make this a true gut-check moment for a Bulldogs team that needs to establish rhythm before entering an eight-game SEC gauntlet.

Confidence and Momentum at Stake
Beating Tennessee isn’t just about adding another W—it’s about momentum. A win in Knoxville gives Georgia early confidence, especially for Stockton. A loss, however, could immediately put them behind in the SEC race with Alabama waiting in the wings.

In a season loaded with championship expectations and tough opponents, the Week 3 matchup at Rocky Top might just be the one that defines Georgia’s path in the 2025-26 college football season.