Former Tennessee Vols Quarterback Lands New Gig in Football
In the world of professional football, career trajectories can be anything but linear, especially for quarterbacks who have experienced the highs and lows of college football. Jarrett Guarantano, a former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback, knows this reality all too well. After navigating through adversity and moments of uncertainty, Guarantano has found a new opportunity in professional football that could reignite his career. In 2025, Guarantano landed a new gig as a quarterback with the San Antonio Brahmas, an emerging team in the United Football League (UFL).
This new opportunity comes after a series of twists and turns in Guarantano’s football journey, both on and off the field. In this article, we’ll take a deeper look into his college career, professional setbacks, and what his new role with the Brahmas means for both him and the future of his career.
College Career at Tennessee: A Rollercoaster Ride
Guarantano’s path to becoming a starting quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers wasn’t the smoothest, but it certainly offered glimpses of his potential. He arrived at Tennessee in 2016 as one of the most highly touted recruits in the country, initially viewed as the next big thing in Knoxville. However, his tenure at Tennessee turned out to be far more complicated than many had expected.
Over the course of four years with the Volunteers, Guarantano faced numerous coaching changes and offensive system shifts. From Butch Jones to Jeremy Pruitt, and later to head coach Josh Heupel, the revolving door of leadership in Knoxville added a layer of unpredictability to his development. As a result, Guarantano’s performance on the field was often inconsistent.
While he showed flashes of brilliance throughout his college career, including a strong 2018 season in which he threw for 1,907 yards, 12 touchdowns, and just three interceptions, he struggled to replicate that success in later years. Many critics noted that Guarantano’s limitations as a quarterback were a product of poor offensive line play, limited weapons at the skill positions, and frequent changes in coaching philosophy.
However, despite these challenges, Guarantano’s resilience was undeniable. He never shied away from competition, always showing up ready to lead his team, even in difficult circumstances. Though Tennessee’s record during his time was far from spectacular, Guarantano’s leadership and dedication were apparent, particularly in 2019 when he helped lead the Volunteers to a bowl game victory.
By the time he finished his college career in 2020, Guarantano had accumulated over 6,000 passing yards, 38 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions, but many wondered whether he had the tools to succeed in the NFL or professional football. His lack of consistency and the struggles his teams had experienced often overshadowed his potential.
Transition to Professional Football: Overcoming Setbacks
After college, Guarantano went undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft, a major disappointment for a quarterback who had once been highly regarded. Although he went through a brief stint with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent, Guarantano’s professional journey took some unexpected turns. He was waived by the Cardinals in 2022 before the start of the season, despite showing promise in the team’s offseason practices.
From there, Guarantano joined the Denver Broncos’ practice squad, hoping to further develop his skills and get another shot at making an NFL roster. Unfortunately, the Broncos also waived him before the 2023 season, leaving Guarantano at a crossroads in his professional career. The disappointment of being cut by multiple NFL teams weighed heavily on Guarantano, but he wasn’t ready to give up on his dreams of playing professional football.
For a quarterback like Guarantano, who had spent years trying to develop his game in a turbulent college environment, the professional football landscape was filled with uncertainty. But the drive to succeed remained strong.
A New Opportunity: Joining the San Antonio Brahmas
In 2024, Guarantano’s persistence paid off when he landed a new opportunity with the United Football League (UFL), a growing professional league aimed at providing an alternative pathway for players looking to showcase their skills. The San Antonio Brahmas, one of the league’s teams, took a chance on the former Vols quarterback, providing him with a fresh start and the chance to prove himself on a new stage.
Guarantano’s new role with the Brahmas comes after a series of roster changes and a desire to build a competitive team. The Brahmas, like many UFL teams, were looking to add depth and experience at the quarterback position, and Guarantano was seen as a player who could potentially provide that. The San Antonio Brahmas have built a roster full of players who are looking to elevate their careers, and Guarantano’s experience in college football—despite the ups and downs—offered them a potential leader who could galvanize the locker room.
For Guarantano, this opportunity with the Brahmas represents both a chance for redemption and a fresh start in professional football. Instead of dwelling on the disappointments of his previous attempts at the NFL, Guarantano has embraced the chance to be part of a growing league, where he can continue to develop as a quarterback and work toward earning another shot in the NFL or other professional leagues.
The UFL and Its Role in Guarantano’s Development
The United Football League (UFL) has become an increasingly important outlet for players like Guarantano who may have been overlooked by NFL teams but still have the desire to play professional football. By joining the Brahmas, Guarantano is joining a league that prides itself on offering opportunities for players who may have been passed over or have faced setbacks in their professional careers.
The UFL provides a stage for players to prove their worth, build their resumes, and work on their craft in a competitive environment. This is critical for quarterbacks like Guarantano, who need consistent playing time and development to continue their progression. For Guarantano, the UFL represents a second chance, not only to showcase his arm strength and ability to read defenses but also to prove that he can be the leader that a team needs at the quarterback position.
His time with the Brahmas will allow him to work closely with a new coaching staff that will likely focus on helping him improve the technical aspects of his game—such as decision-making, accuracy, and timing. Moreover, Guarantano will have the opportunity to develop chemistry with his new teammates and gain the trust of the coaching staff, crucial steps for any quarterback hoping to be a successful leader on the field.
Leadership and Resilience: What Guarantano Brings to the Brahmas
Despite facing setbacks in his professional career, Guarantano’s leadership qualities remain a significant strength. Known for his work ethic, attention to detail, and mental toughness, Guarantano’s ability to keep his head high through adversity speaks volumes about his character. These traits are essential for any quarterback, especially one trying to lead a team to victory in a competitive league.
In joining the Brahmas, Guarantano brings with him not just physical tools but also the leadership skills necessary to guide his team through the ups and downs of a professional season. His college experiences, both good and bad, have prepared him to handle the pressure that comes with being the starting quarterback, and he is committed to proving himself as a reliable and capable leader. The Brahmas are hoping that his experience and maturity can help elevate their program and develop the kind of competitive mindset needed to succeed in the UFL.
What’s Next for Guarantano?
The road ahead for Jarrett Guarantano is far from certain, but his move to the San Antonio Brahmas represents a significant opportunity for both him and the team. The UFL may not have the same spotlight as the NFL, but for players like Guarantano, it offers a chance to showcase their talents and potentially open doors to bigger opportunities down the line.
For Guarantano, the primary goal will be to prove that he can be a starting quarterback at the professional level, regardless of the league in which he plays. With hard work and dedication, he could find himself in a position to receive offers from higher-profile teams or leagues in the future.
Moreover, if Guarantano performs well with the Brahmas, he may have the opportunity to be called up to an NFL team as a backup quarterback, where he could compete for a more permanent role. Though his professional career has faced setbacks, Guarantano has already shown a remarkable ability to adapt and persevere. The coming seasons could ultimately determine whether his time with the Brahmas will serve as a springboard to bigger and better opportunities.