Former Tennessee Vols QB Has ‘Strong Chance’ to Win Starting QB Job for the 2025 Season

The University of Tennessee football program has undergone a dramatic transformation under head coach Josh Heupel, who has rejuvenated the offense and led the Vols to renewed relevance in the competitive SEC. One of the major storylines heading into the 2025 season is the potential for a former Tennessee Vols quarterback to reclaim the starting role, after a turbulent period of transitions at the position. The arrival of this player back into the conversation as a starting option for 2025 has created significant buzz among fans, coaches, and analysts alike. There’s a growing consensus that this former quarterback has a “strong chance” to secure the top spot for the Vols when the season kicks off.

In this article, we’ll break down the circumstances surrounding this player’s return to Tennessee football’s quarterback competition, analyze what makes him a strong contender for the starting job, and explore how his potential resurgence could impact the program moving forward. From his previous experience as a Tennessee starter to his offseason development and opportunities in spring practice, there are a lot of reasons why this quarterback might be poised to take control of the job for the 2025 season.

1. The QB Carousel at Tennessee: A Rocky Road to Stability

Before diving into the specifics of the former quarterback’s chances, it’s important to look at the quarterback situation at Tennessee over the last few years. The position has been in flux, with multiple players battling for the starting role. Following the departure of Hendon Hooker, who had an incredibly successful tenure as the Vols’ starting quarterback, Tennessee’s offense faced the difficult challenge of finding a new leader.

In recent years, the Vols have cycled through different quarterbacks, each offering unique strengths but also facing growing pains. Joe Milton, who briefly held the starting job in the 2023 season, has shown flashes of his potential but has struggled with consistency at times. The competition for the starting role has been wide open, with Milton, along with several incoming quarterbacks, vying for the starting position.

For any program, the quarterback is the most important position on the field, and for Tennessee, the pressure to find the right person to lead the offense has been paramount. The good news for the Vols is that there is now a former starting quarterback who appears to be in a great position to win the job in 2025.

2. The Return of the Former Tennessee QB: A Look at the Player’s Background

The former quarterback in question is none other than Tennessee’s former starter, who has been with the program for multiple seasons and shown flashes of brilliance. After serving as a starter for part of a season and showing potential in some key games, the player faced setbacks, including injuries and inconsistencies, that led to a shift in the starting role.

However, following an offseason of development and an opportunity to work with Tennessee’s coaching staff, the quarterback has begun to show signs of maturity and growth. His development during the offseason has given rise to new optimism that he could recapture the starting role and elevate Tennessee’s offense to new heights. In fact, insiders and analysts around the program have started to talk about the former QB as a strong contender for the 2025 starting job.

While he may not have been the first choice for Tennessee in previous years, this player’s strong arm, athleticism, and playmaking ability have always been undeniable. Those traits were on full display in his earlier seasons, and now, with a more refined understanding of the offense and his role within it, he has the chance to reassert himself as the leader of the Tennessee offense.

3. Offseason Development: What’s Changed?

One of the main reasons this former quarterback has a “strong chance” to win the starting role for 2025 is the significant strides he has made in the offseason. During the 2024 offseason, this quarterback committed himself to improving his mechanics, decision-making, and overall football IQ. His work ethic in the weight room and on the practice field has impressed both his teammates and coaches, and it has become clear that he’s ready to take on a bigger role in the coming season.

Improved Mechanics

One of the key aspects of this player’s offseason development has been his attention to mechanical adjustments. In previous seasons, he was often criticized for inconsistent footwork, which led to erratic throws, particularly on long passes. However, he has made significant strides in refining his footwork and throwing motion, allowing him to be more consistent with his throws. With better mechanics, he’s been able to throw with more accuracy, which is critical for success in Heupel’s up-tempo offense that demands quick decision-making and precise ball placement.

Enhanced Decision-Making

In addition to improving his mechanics, this quarterback has worked hard on his decision-making. In the past, he struggled with throwing interceptions or making poor choices under pressure. However, he’s spent a significant amount of time studying film, learning to recognize defensive schemes, and improving his ability to make decisions in real time. His understanding of the game has grown, and he now appears more poised and confident when navigating through the complexities of college football defenses.

Physical Conditioning

Another major factor in this player’s offseason development has been his focus on physical conditioning. College football is a physically demanding sport, and this quarterback has worked tirelessly to improve his strength and durability. Whether it’s his arm strength or his ability to take hits in the pocket, his improved conditioning will help him last longer in games and remain effective throughout the season. Additionally, his conditioning will allow him to execute Tennessee’s fast-paced offense more effectively, ensuring he can keep up with the tempo and avoid fatigue.

Mental Growth

Perhaps the most important aspect of his offseason development has been his mental growth. College football can be an intense pressure cooker, and it takes a special player to thrive under the scrutiny of being a starting quarterback in the SEC. This quarterback has matured significantly, learning to deal with the pressure and maintaining his focus during high-stakes situations. This mental toughness is crucial for any quarterback, and it could be what sets him apart from the competition in the coming season.

4. Spring Practice: A Preview of Things to Come

With the 2025 season on the horizon, spring football has served as an early opportunity to gauge how this former Tennessee QB stacks up against the competition. During spring practices, he has shown positive signs that he is ready to take the next step in his career and potentially claim the starting role.

Improved Accuracy and Poise

In spring scrimmages, this quarterback’s improved accuracy has been on full display. He has connected with his receivers on a consistent basis, making throws to all areas of the field, including the deep ball, which had previously been an area of concern for him. His ability to maintain his poise in the pocket has also been noticeable; he has shown the maturity to go through his progressions without forcing bad throws, which has been a key criticism of him in the past.

Strong Leadership

Another factor that has played a significant role in this quarterback’s rise is his leadership. He has earned the respect of his teammates through his hard work and commitment, both on and off the field. His leadership in spring practices has been a key factor in his ability to earn the trust of coaches and teammates alike. He has become a vocal presence on the field, helping to organize drills, encourage his teammates, and communicate effectively with the offensive line and receivers. Leadership is a critical element for any successful quarterback, and this player has demonstrated the qualities needed to lead Tennessee’s offense moving forward.

5. Competition for the Starting Job

While this former quarterback has a “strong chance” to win the starting job for the 2025 season, it’s important to note that he will face competition from several talented players. Joe Milton, who briefly held the starting position, is still a contender and could very well challenge for the job once again. Additionally, Tennessee will likely bring in new recruits or transfers, which will add to the competition in the quarterback room.

However, with the improvements made by this former quarterback during the offseason, combined with his experience and leadership qualities, he has placed himself in a prime position to win the starting job. The Tennessee coaching staff will likely be focused on selecting the player who gives the offense the best chance to succeed, and at this point, the former starter has the tools to be that player.

6. What a Strong Quarterback Performance Means for Tennessee

The importance of having a strong, stable quarterback cannot be overstated in college football. For Tennessee, a capable and reliable starting quarterback would be crucial for a successful 2025 season. Under Josh Heupel’s system, the quarterback position is key to executing the fast-paced offense, and the right player can take the program to the next level.

A strong quarterback performance in 2025 could have far-reaching effects. Not only could it improve Tennessee’s chances in the SEC, but it could also enhance recruiting efforts, attract more top talent, and set the stage for future success in both conference and national championships.