ALERT: Tennessee ranked as Top 10 Team by ESPN Football Power Index | Joey Aguilar or Jake Merklinger?

As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Tennessee Volunteers have garnered significant attention, securing a spot in ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) Top 10 rankings. This projection underscores the program’s resurgence and the pivotal role of the quarterback position in their anticipated success. With the departure of Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee’s quarterback depth chart has become a focal point of discussion. The question arises: who will lead the Volunteers under center—Joey Aguilar or Jake Merklinger?

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### **The Tennessee Volunteers’ 2025 Outlook**

Under the guidance of Head Coach Josh Heupel, Tennessee has experienced a renaissance, highlighted by a 10–3 record and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024 . The team’s offensive prowess, characterized by a high-octane spread system, has been a hallmark of Heupel’s tenure. However, with the departure of Iamaleava due to NIL disputes and missed team obligations , the quarterback position has become a critical area of focus.([reuters.com][1])

ESPN’s FPI projects Tennessee with an 8.6–3.5 record for the 2025 season, placing them among the nation’s elite programs. This ranking reflects confidence in the team’s overall talent and coaching, yet the uncertainty at quarterback introduces an element of intrigue.

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### **Joey Aguilar: The Transfer Portal Acquisition**

Joey Aguilar’s journey to Tennessee has been unconventional. After transferring from Appalachian State to UCLA, Aguilar found himself in a quarterback shuffle when Nico Iamaleava departed for the Bruins. In a reciprocal move, Aguilar entered the transfer portal and committed to Tennessee, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a strong performance history.

At Appalachian State, Aguilar amassed 6,760 passing yards and 56 touchdowns over two seasons, showcasing his ability to lead an offense effectively. His brief tenure at UCLA further honed his skills, preparing him for the challenges of the SEC .

Aguilar’s familiarity with Heupel’s offensive system, having faced it during his time at Appalachian State, provides him with a strategic advantage. His experience and leadership qualities make him a compelling candidate to assume the starting quarterback role for the Volunteers.

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### **Jake Merklinger: The Promising Freshman**

In contrast, Jake Merklinger represents the future of Tennessee football. A highly regarded recruit from Calvary Day in Savannah, Georgia, Merklinger brings a strong arm and an understanding of Heupel’s offensive philosophy. Despite his youth, he has demonstrated maturity and readiness, impressing coaches with his grasp of playcalling and protections .

Merklinger’s development has been accelerated through mentorship from Tennessee legends and current coaching staff, including Peyton Manning and former Oklahoma quarterbacks Josh Heupel and Joey Halzle. This guidance has been instrumental in his rapid adaptation to the collegiate game.([timesfreepress.com][4])

While Merklinger’s inexperience at the collegiate level presents challenges, his potential and the upside he offers make him an intriguing option for the starting role.

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### **Quarterback Battle: Aguilar vs. Merklinger**

The competition between Aguilar and Merklinger is poised to define Tennessee’s offensive strategy for the 2025 season. Aguilar’s experience and familiarity with Heupel’s system position him as a seasoned leader capable of executing the offense effectively. His presence could provide immediate stability and performance consistency.

On the other hand, Merklinger’s potential for growth and long-term success aligns with Tennessee’s vision for sustained excellence. His development could lead to a dynamic and adaptable offense, with the possibility of evolving throughout the season.

The decision between Aguilar and Merklinger will likely hinge on factors such as preseason performance, adaptability to the offensive scheme, and leadership qualities demonstrated during training camp. Both quarterbacks possess attributes that could contribute to Tennessee’s success, making this competition one of the most anticipated storylines of the offseason.

Tennessee’s inclusion in ESPN’s FPI Top 10 rankings for the 2025 season underscores the program’s resurgence and the high expectations surrounding the team. The quarterback position, now a focal point due to the departures and arrivals, will play a pivotal role in determining the Volunteers’ trajectory. Whether Joey Aguilar’s experience or Jake Merklinger’s potential leads the offense, Tennessee’s success will depend on how effectively the chosen quarterback can execute Heupel’s dynamic system and lead the team to victory.

As the season approaches, all eyes will be on the quarterback competition, with the hope that the selected leader will propel Tennessee to new heights in the college football landscape.