Will Tennessee land a big name?
The Tennessee Volunteers are clearly comfortable hitting the transfer portal to find a quarterback. Hendon Hooker, Joe Milton, and Joey Aguilar are all examples of the success Tennessee has had when scouring the market for a passer.
With Aguilar out of eligbility, the Vols have a couple of choices- roll with one of the highly-touted youngsters or hit the portal again for someone with starting experience. George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon were both top recruits and the team loves them, but it’s possible neither is ready to start in the SEC this season.
If the Vols do decide to search the portal, there are several quality options available. Today, let’s identify four passers who have already declared their intention to enter the portal who should interest the Vols.
Josh Hoover, TCU
Josh Hoover has plenty of experience after spending four seasons with the TCU Horned Frogs. Hoover threw for 3,472 yards with 29 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 2025. That was Hoover’s second season in a row with at least 3,400 yards.
It was reported that the Vols had interest in Hoover last spring when Nico Iamaleava left for UCLA, but Hoover decided to stay. Now that he’s entering the portal, though, could the two sides reengage? The one downside is Hoover is pretty much no threat with his legs. Josh Heupel would prefer to have a quarterback who can move, but Hoover’s arm talent and experience may be enough to make up for that.
Brendan Sorsby, Cincinnati
Brendan Sorsby is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the portal. The talented passer threw for 2,800 yards with 27 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2025, and also added 580 rushing yards and nine rushing scores.
Sorsby will command a few million dollars, which may be more than the Vols want to spend on one position considering the needs around the roster. However, Sorsby reportedly has family in Knoxville and he’s spoken glowingly about Neyland Stadium in the past, so you never know. Sorsby’s athleticism and accuracy would make him a perfect fit in Heupel’s system.
Sam Leavitt, Arizona State
Sam Leavitt is the only quarterback mentioned so far who has College Football Playoff experience, which could make him intriguing. The quarterback unfortunately msised time with injury in 2025, but he’s been productive when healthy and even won Big 12 Freshman of the Year in 2024.
Leavitt has a big arm and is more mobile than Hoover. If the Vols want Sorsby but he goes elsewhere, Leavitt could be a good backup plan. It’s possible the quarterback’s stock is a little lower than the other quarterbacks mentioned due to his injury. Leavitt threw for 1,628 yards with 10 touchdowns and three interceptions in 2025.
Kenny Minchey, Notre Dame
Kenny Minchey is another interesting name, but I’m not sure how likely he is considering he’s also inexperienced. However, the quarterback has to be mentioned considering he’s from Tennessee and is an impressive athlete at the position.
Minchey lost the QB1 battle to C.J. Carr ahead of the 2025 season, and he’ll now look to latch on elsewhere. The quarterback profiles as a “game manager” who is accurate over the middle of the field and also can make plays with his legs.
Category: General Sports
