Joey Aguilar's request for an additional year of eligibility was denied by Chancellor Chris Heagerty in Knox County Chancery Court on Feb. 20, upholding NCAA rules regarding former junior college players. This means Tennessee will have its fifth different starting quarterback in as many seasons, with MacIntyre, Brandon, and Colorado transfer Staub competing during spring practice beginning March 16.
Aguilar, who led the SEC with 3,565 passing yards in 2025, will now focus on the NFL after attending the scouting combine. MacIntyre, a former four-star recruit, may have a slight edge as he's been in coach Josh Heupel's system for a year, while Brandon, a five-star prospect, enrolled in January. Staub brings more experience but may have a lower ceiling after serving as a backup at Colorado.