Vols Backup QB Entering Transfer Portal

Another Tennessee Vol is jumping ship. After Chris Brazzell and Arion Carter made their decisions to juimp to the NFL, backup quarterback Jake Merklinger says he will be leaving the Vols as well. Merklinger says he is entering the transfer portal after two seasons as a backup for the Vols. Merklinger backed up Nico Iamleava in 2024 and Joey Agular this past season.

The 6’3, 215 pound quarterback had passed for 173 yards and two touchdowns in limited action this past season. He was a four star prospect coming out of high school. Some experts say that the University of Virginia could be a destination. With Merklinger out, George McIntire will be Joey Aguilar’s backup in the Music City Bowl against Illinois in Nashville on December 30.