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"Is coach Heupel of the university of Tennessee more likely to start a quarterback with more experience or a quarterback with more talent?"
For all TL/DR, skip to last paragraph and see highlighted text. Lazy bastards.
Josh Heupel, head coach of the University of Tennessee Volunteers, faces a quarterback competition for the 2025 season following the departure of Nico Iamaleava to UCLA. The primary contenders are Joey Aguilar, a transfer from UCLA with prior experience at Appalachian State; Jake Merklinger, a redshirt freshman with limited game experience but familiarity with Tennessee’s system; and George MacIntyre, a true freshman with high upside but no college experience. The question of whether Heupel is more likely to start a quarterback with more experience with the team or one with more talent requires examining his coaching philosophy, past decisions, and the current context of the team.
### Heupel’s Coaching Philosophy
Heupel, a former quarterback and offensive-minded coach, emphasizes consistency, leadership, and the ability to operate within his fast-paced, high-tempo offensive system. He has repeatedly stressed that the starting quarterback must "earn" the role through consistent performance, not just in one play or practice but over time. He values a quarterback’s ability to manage the game, avoid negative plays, and build trust with teammates. His comments at SEC Media Days and after scrimmages in 2025 underscore this: “It’s the consistency of who you are, the growth of who you are, and how you continue to grow from practice to practice. And I think it’s important the staff sees that. But most importantly, I think your players see that as well.”[](https://www.on3.com/college/tennessee-volunteers/news/tennessee-qb-battle-josh-heupel-updates-timeline-on-process/)
### Experience vs. Talent in Heupel’s Tenure
Heupel’s track record at Tennessee provides insight into his preferences:
- **2021 Season**: Heupel inherited a roster with limited quarterback options. He chose Hendon Hooker, a transfer from Virginia Tech with moderate experience, over more hyped but less experienced players like Harrison Bailey. Hooker’s grasp of the system and ability to execute Heupel’s offense led to a 7-6 season, showing Heupel’s preference for a quarterback who can quickly adapt to his scheme, even if not the most talented on the roster.
- **2022 Season**: Hooker, now a veteran in the system, thrived, leading Tennessee to an 11-2 record and an Orange Bowl victory. His experience in Heupel’s offense was a clear factor in his success, as he outperformed expectations for a quarterback not considered elite coming out of high school.
- **2023-2024 Seasons**: Nico Iamaleava, a five-star recruit with immense talent but limited experience, initially backed up Joe Milton, a veteran with more time in the system. Heupel opted for Milton’s experience in 2023, even though Iamaleava was seen as the more talented prospect. Iamaleava eventually started in 2024, leading Tennessee to their first College Football Playoff berth, but only after gaining a year of experience in the system. This suggests Heupel leans toward experience or system familiarity when the decision is close, though he’s willing to transition to a talented player once they’re ready.
### Current Quarterback Competition
The 2025 quarterback competition involves three players with distinct profiles:
- **Joey Aguilar**: A transfer with significant college experience (25 games, 6,760 yards, 56 touchdowns at Appalachian State), but new to Tennessee’s system since arriving in May 2025. His experience includes a 2023 Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year award, though his 14 interceptions in 2024 raise concerns about turnovers. Heupel has praised Aguilar’s ability to handle the offense and his running ability, noting, “I really like overall what (Aguilar) has done. There’s still more for him within the structure and the details of it.”[](https://www.on3.com/teams/tennessee-volunteers/news/tennessee-vols-football-quarterback-competition-josh-heupel-press-conference-joey-aguilar-jake-merklinger/)[](https://spartanswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2025/07/29/josh-heupel-tennessee-football-quarterbacks-joey-aguilar-jake-merklinger-george-macintyre/85420386007/)
- **Jake Merklinger**: A redshirt freshman who was third-string in 2024, with minimal game experience (6 of 9 passes for 48 yards). As a four-star recruit, he has talent but has been in Tennessee’s system for over a year, giving him an edge in familiarity. Heupel has noted Merklinger’s growth and leadership traits.[](https://spartanswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2025/07/29/josh-heupel-tennessee-football-quarterbacks-joey-aguilar-jake-merklinger-george-macintyre/85420386007/)[](https://collegesportswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/sec/2025/07/16/tennessee-football-josh-heupel-quarterback-battle-sec-media-days/85246013007/)
- **George MacIntyre**: A true freshman and four-star recruit, ranked as the No. 15 quarterback in the 2025 class. He has the highest raw talent among the group, with a 6-foot-6 frame and strong arm, but lacks college experience and needs to add weight. Heupel has acknowledged MacIntyre’s improvement since spring, stating, “You’ve seen his level of play be dramatically different than where we finished spring ball.” However, MacIntyre is considered a long shot for 2025, likely being groomed for 2026.[](https://www.on3.com/teams/tennessee-volunteers/news/tennessee-vols-football-quarterback-competition-josh-heupel-press-conference-joey-aguilar-jake-merklinger/)[](https://www.on3.com/college/tennessee-volunteers/news/tennessee-qb-battle-josh-heupel-updates-timeline-on-process/)
### Contextual Factors
Several factors influence Heupel’s decision:
1. **Offensive Rebuild**: Tennessee lost key offensive players, including SEC Offensive Player of the Year Dylan Sampson at running back, four offensive line starters, and three top wide receivers. This lack of continuity puts pressure on the quarterback to stabilize the offense. A quarterback with experience, even if not in Tennessee’s system, may be better equipped to handle this challenge.[](https://spartanswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2025/07/29/josh-heupel-tennessee-football-quarterbacks-joey-aguilar-jake-merklinger-george-macintyre/85420386007/)[](https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/analyst-underrated-issue-josh-heupel-tennessee-qb-battle/)
2. **Injuries at Wide Receiver**: Injuries to projected starting receivers Chris Brazzell, Braylon Staley, and Mike Matthews have limited the quarterbacks’ ability to build chemistry, making system familiarity or prior college experience more critical.[](https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2025/08/09/josh-heupel-tennessee-football-quarterbacks-joey-aguilar-george-macintyre/85468326007/)
3. **Heupel’s System**: Heupel’s offense requires quick decision-making and precise execution. Aguilar’s experience at Appalachian State, where he ran a spread offense, may translate better than Merklinger’s limited game reps or MacIntyre’s raw potential. However, Merklinger’s year in the system could give him an edge in understanding Heupel’s playbook.
4. **Team Dynamics**: Heupel emphasizes team trust and leadership. Aguilar has worked to build rapport, reportedly hosting dinners and pool parties to win over teammates. This aligns with Heupel’s focus on a quarterback earning the trust of the locker room.[](https://spartanswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2025/07/29/josh-heupel-tennessee-football-quarterbacks-joey-aguilar-jake-merklinger-george-macintyre/85420386007/)
5. **Timeline**: With the season opener against Syracuse on August 30, 2025, Heupel has three weeks to name a starter. He has indicated no rush to decide, suggesting he’s prioritizing performance in fall camp over preconceived notions of talent or experience.[](https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2025/08/09/josh-heupel-tennessee-football-quarterbacks-joey-aguilar-george-macintyre/85468326007/)[](https://www.on3.com/college/tennessee-volunteers/news/tennessee-qb-battle-josh-heupel-updates-timeline-on-process/)
### Analysis: Experience vs. Talent
- **Experience with the Team**: Merklinger has the most time in Tennessee’s system (over a year), giving him an advantage in understanding Heupel’s playbook and building relationships with teammates. Aguilar, while experienced in college football, is still learning the system, having joined in May. MacIntyre, as a true freshman, is the least familiar with the team.
- **Talent**: MacIntyre is widely regarded as the most talented, with a high ceiling due to his size, arm strength, and recruiting pedigree. Aguilar’s production (3,003 yards, 23 touchdowns in 2024) shows capability, but his zero-star recruit background and interception issues suggest less raw talent than MacIntyre. Merklinger, a four-star recruit, falls between the two but lacks the standout traits of MacIntyre.
- **Heupel’s Likely Preference**: Heupel’s history suggests a lean toward experience or system familiarity, especially in a season with significant offensive turnover. His choice of Hooker in 2021 and Milton in 2023 over more talented but less experienced options supports this. Aguilar’s 25 games of college experience and ability to run a similar spread offense make him the frontrunner, despite his recent arrival. Merklinger’s system knowledge keeps him in contention, particularly if Aguilar struggles with turnovers or adapting to Heupel’s scheme. MacIntyre’s raw talent is exciting, but Heupel’s comments and the short timeline suggest he’s a long-term project rather than a 2025 starter.
- **External Perspectives**: Analysts like Rece Davis express skepticism about Tennessee’s quarterback situation post-Iamaleava, citing uncertainty with Aguilar’s ability to match Iamaleava’s production. However, Dan Wetzel believes Tennessee’s team could rally around a new quarterback, suggesting Heupel’s system can succeed without elite talent if execution is strong.[](https://www.essentiallysports.com/ncaa-college-football-news-josh-heupel-could-regret-losing-nico-iamaleava-as-joey-aguilar-sparks-major-concerns-for-tennessee/)
### Conclusion
Josh Heupel is more likely to start a quarterback with more experience, whether with the team or in college football, over one with raw talent, especially given the 2025 roster’s challenges and the need for stability. Joey Aguilar, with his extensive college experience, is the most likely starter, provided he masters the details of Heupel’s offense in fall camp. Jake Merklinger’s system familiarity makes him a strong contender if Aguilar falters. George MacIntyre’s talent is promising, but he’s unlikely to start unless he significantly outperforms expectations in camp. Heupel’s emphasis on earning the role through consistency and leadership, combined with his past decisions, points to experience—either Aguilar’s game reps or Merklinger’s system knowledge—trumping MacIntyre’s talent for the 2025 season opener.[](https://www.essentiallysports.com/ncaa-college-football-news-josh-heupel-could-regret-losing-nico-iamaleava-as-joey-aguilar-sparks-major-concerns-for-tennessee/)[](https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2025/08/09/josh-heupel-tennessee-football-quarterbacks-joey-aguilar-george-macintyre/85468326007/)[](https://www.on3.com/teams/tennessee-volunteers/news/tennessee-vols-football-quarterback-competition-josh-heupel-press-conference-joey-aguilar-jake-merklinger/)
For all TL/DR, skip to last paragraph and see highlighted text. Lazy bastards.
Josh Heupel, head coach of the University of Tennessee Volunteers, faces a quarterback competition for the 2025 season following the departure of Nico Iamaleava to UCLA. The primary contenders are Joey Aguilar, a transfer from UCLA with prior experience at Appalachian State; Jake Merklinger, a redshirt freshman with limited game experience but familiarity with Tennessee’s system; and George MacIntyre, a true freshman with high upside but no college experience. The question of whether Heupel is more likely to start a quarterback with more experience with the team or one with more talent requires examining his coaching philosophy, past decisions, and the current context of the team.
### Heupel’s Coaching Philosophy
Heupel, a former quarterback and offensive-minded coach, emphasizes consistency, leadership, and the ability to operate within his fast-paced, high-tempo offensive system. He has repeatedly stressed that the starting quarterback must "earn" the role through consistent performance, not just in one play or practice but over time. He values a quarterback’s ability to manage the game, avoid negative plays, and build trust with teammates. His comments at SEC Media Days and after scrimmages in 2025 underscore this: “It’s the consistency of who you are, the growth of who you are, and how you continue to grow from practice to practice. And I think it’s important the staff sees that. But most importantly, I think your players see that as well.”[](https://www.on3.com/college/tennessee-volunteers/news/tennessee-qb-battle-josh-heupel-updates-timeline-on-process/)
### Experience vs. Talent in Heupel’s Tenure
Heupel’s track record at Tennessee provides insight into his preferences:
- **2021 Season**: Heupel inherited a roster with limited quarterback options. He chose Hendon Hooker, a transfer from Virginia Tech with moderate experience, over more hyped but less experienced players like Harrison Bailey. Hooker’s grasp of the system and ability to execute Heupel’s offense led to a 7-6 season, showing Heupel’s preference for a quarterback who can quickly adapt to his scheme, even if not the most talented on the roster.
- **2022 Season**: Hooker, now a veteran in the system, thrived, leading Tennessee to an 11-2 record and an Orange Bowl victory. His experience in Heupel’s offense was a clear factor in his success, as he outperformed expectations for a quarterback not considered elite coming out of high school.
- **2023-2024 Seasons**: Nico Iamaleava, a five-star recruit with immense talent but limited experience, initially backed up Joe Milton, a veteran with more time in the system. Heupel opted for Milton’s experience in 2023, even though Iamaleava was seen as the more talented prospect. Iamaleava eventually started in 2024, leading Tennessee to their first College Football Playoff berth, but only after gaining a year of experience in the system. This suggests Heupel leans toward experience or system familiarity when the decision is close, though he’s willing to transition to a talented player once they’re ready.
### Current Quarterback Competition
The 2025 quarterback competition involves three players with distinct profiles:
- **Joey Aguilar**: A transfer with significant college experience (25 games, 6,760 yards, 56 touchdowns at Appalachian State), but new to Tennessee’s system since arriving in May 2025. His experience includes a 2023 Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year award, though his 14 interceptions in 2024 raise concerns about turnovers. Heupel has praised Aguilar’s ability to handle the offense and his running ability, noting, “I really like overall what (Aguilar) has done. There’s still more for him within the structure and the details of it.”[](https://www.on3.com/teams/tennessee-volunteers/news/tennessee-vols-football-quarterback-competition-josh-heupel-press-conference-joey-aguilar-jake-merklinger/)[](https://spartanswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2025/07/29/josh-heupel-tennessee-football-quarterbacks-joey-aguilar-jake-merklinger-george-macintyre/85420386007/)
- **Jake Merklinger**: A redshirt freshman who was third-string in 2024, with minimal game experience (6 of 9 passes for 48 yards). As a four-star recruit, he has talent but has been in Tennessee’s system for over a year, giving him an edge in familiarity. Heupel has noted Merklinger’s growth and leadership traits.[](https://spartanswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2025/07/29/josh-heupel-tennessee-football-quarterbacks-joey-aguilar-jake-merklinger-george-macintyre/85420386007/)[](https://collegesportswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/sec/2025/07/16/tennessee-football-josh-heupel-quarterback-battle-sec-media-days/85246013007/)
- **George MacIntyre**: A true freshman and four-star recruit, ranked as the No. 15 quarterback in the 2025 class. He has the highest raw talent among the group, with a 6-foot-6 frame and strong arm, but lacks college experience and needs to add weight. Heupel has acknowledged MacIntyre’s improvement since spring, stating, “You’ve seen his level of play be dramatically different than where we finished spring ball.” However, MacIntyre is considered a long shot for 2025, likely being groomed for 2026.[](https://www.on3.com/teams/tennessee-volunteers/news/tennessee-vols-football-quarterback-competition-josh-heupel-press-conference-joey-aguilar-jake-merklinger/)[](https://www.on3.com/college/tennessee-volunteers/news/tennessee-qb-battle-josh-heupel-updates-timeline-on-process/)
### Contextual Factors
Several factors influence Heupel’s decision:
1. **Offensive Rebuild**: Tennessee lost key offensive players, including SEC Offensive Player of the Year Dylan Sampson at running back, four offensive line starters, and three top wide receivers. This lack of continuity puts pressure on the quarterback to stabilize the offense. A quarterback with experience, even if not in Tennessee’s system, may be better equipped to handle this challenge.[](https://spartanswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2025/07/29/josh-heupel-tennessee-football-quarterbacks-joey-aguilar-jake-merklinger-george-macintyre/85420386007/)[](https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/analyst-underrated-issue-josh-heupel-tennessee-qb-battle/)
2. **Injuries at Wide Receiver**: Injuries to projected starting receivers Chris Brazzell, Braylon Staley, and Mike Matthews have limited the quarterbacks’ ability to build chemistry, making system familiarity or prior college experience more critical.[](https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2025/08/09/josh-heupel-tennessee-football-quarterbacks-joey-aguilar-george-macintyre/85468326007/)
3. **Heupel’s System**: Heupel’s offense requires quick decision-making and precise execution. Aguilar’s experience at Appalachian State, where he ran a spread offense, may translate better than Merklinger’s limited game reps or MacIntyre’s raw potential. However, Merklinger’s year in the system could give him an edge in understanding Heupel’s playbook.
4. **Team Dynamics**: Heupel emphasizes team trust and leadership. Aguilar has worked to build rapport, reportedly hosting dinners and pool parties to win over teammates. This aligns with Heupel’s focus on a quarterback earning the trust of the locker room.[](https://spartanswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2025/07/29/josh-heupel-tennessee-football-quarterbacks-joey-aguilar-jake-merklinger-george-macintyre/85420386007/)
5. **Timeline**: With the season opener against Syracuse on August 30, 2025, Heupel has three weeks to name a starter. He has indicated no rush to decide, suggesting he’s prioritizing performance in fall camp over preconceived notions of talent or experience.[](https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2025/08/09/josh-heupel-tennessee-football-quarterbacks-joey-aguilar-george-macintyre/85468326007/)[](https://www.on3.com/college/tennessee-volunteers/news/tennessee-qb-battle-josh-heupel-updates-timeline-on-process/)
### Analysis: Experience vs. Talent
- **Experience with the Team**: Merklinger has the most time in Tennessee’s system (over a year), giving him an advantage in understanding Heupel’s playbook and building relationships with teammates. Aguilar, while experienced in college football, is still learning the system, having joined in May. MacIntyre, as a true freshman, is the least familiar with the team.
- **Talent**: MacIntyre is widely regarded as the most talented, with a high ceiling due to his size, arm strength, and recruiting pedigree. Aguilar’s production (3,003 yards, 23 touchdowns in 2024) shows capability, but his zero-star recruit background and interception issues suggest less raw talent than MacIntyre. Merklinger, a four-star recruit, falls between the two but lacks the standout traits of MacIntyre.
- **Heupel’s Likely Preference**: Heupel’s history suggests a lean toward experience or system familiarity, especially in a season with significant offensive turnover. His choice of Hooker in 2021 and Milton in 2023 over more talented but less experienced options supports this. Aguilar’s 25 games of college experience and ability to run a similar spread offense make him the frontrunner, despite his recent arrival. Merklinger’s system knowledge keeps him in contention, particularly if Aguilar struggles with turnovers or adapting to Heupel’s scheme. MacIntyre’s raw talent is exciting, but Heupel’s comments and the short timeline suggest he’s a long-term project rather than a 2025 starter.
- **External Perspectives**: Analysts like Rece Davis express skepticism about Tennessee’s quarterback situation post-Iamaleava, citing uncertainty with Aguilar’s ability to match Iamaleava’s production. However, Dan Wetzel believes Tennessee’s team could rally around a new quarterback, suggesting Heupel’s system can succeed without elite talent if execution is strong.[](https://www.essentiallysports.com/ncaa-college-football-news-josh-heupel-could-regret-losing-nico-iamaleava-as-joey-aguilar-sparks-major-concerns-for-tennessee/)
### Conclusion
Josh Heupel is more likely to start a quarterback with more experience, whether with the team or in college football, over one with raw talent, especially given the 2025 roster’s challenges and the need for stability. Joey Aguilar, with his extensive college experience, is the most likely starter, provided he masters the details of Heupel’s offense in fall camp. Jake Merklinger’s system familiarity makes him a strong contender if Aguilar falters. George MacIntyre’s talent is promising, but he’s unlikely to start unless he significantly outperforms expectations in camp. Heupel’s emphasis on earning the role through consistency and leadership, combined with his past decisions, points to experience—either Aguilar’s game reps or Merklinger’s system knowledge—trumping MacIntyre’s talent for the 2025 season opener.[](https://www.essentiallysports.com/ncaa-college-football-news-josh-heupel-could-regret-losing-nico-iamaleava-as-joey-aguilar-sparks-major-concerns-for-tennessee/)[](https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2025/08/09/josh-heupel-tennessee-football-quarterbacks-joey-aguilar-george-macintyre/85468326007/)[](https://www.on3.com/teams/tennessee-volunteers/news/tennessee-vols-football-quarterback-competition-josh-heupel-press-conference-joey-aguilar-jake-merklinger/)
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