The Tennessee Volunteers would obviously love to go through the transfer portal to find a quarterback. Hendon Hooker, Joe Milton and Joey Aguilar are all examples of Tennessee finding success in its market for pass rushers.
With Aguilar ineligible, the Vols have two options – draft a highly regarded youngster or again go with someone with starting experience. George McIntyre and Faison Brandon are both top recruits that teams love, but neither may be ready to make the SEC run this season.
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If the Vols do decide to search the portal, there are several quality options to choose from. Today, let’s identify four passers who have declared their intention to enter the portal and who should pique the interest of the Vols.
Josh Hoover, TCU
Josh Hoover has a wealth of experience after spending four seasons with the TCU Horned Frogs. In 2025, Hoover threw for 3,472 yards, 29 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. This is Hoover’s second straight season passing for at least 3,400 yards.
The Vols were reportedly interested in Hoover last spring when Nico Iamaleava left for UCLA, but Hoover decided to stay. But now that he has entered the portal, can the two parties reconnect? The only downside is that Hoover’s legs pose little threat. Josh Heupel would prefer to have a quarterback who can move, but Hoover’s arm talent and experience may be more than enough to make up for that.
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Brendan Sosby, Cincinnati
Brendan Thorsby is undoubtedly one of the most popular quarterbacks in the portal. The talented passer threw for 2,800 yards, 27 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2025, and also added 580 rushing yards and nine rushing scores.
Thorsby will receive millions of dollars, which is likely more than the Vols want to spend at a position given the needs on the roster. However, Southby reportedly has family in Knoxville and has spoken enthusiastically about Neyland Stadium in the past, so you never know. Thorsby’s athleticism and accuracy make him a perfect fit for Heupel’s system.
Sam Leavitt, Arizona
Sam Leavitt is the only quarterback mentioned so far with College Football Playoff experience, which could make him interesting. Unfortunately, the quarterback missed time in 2025 due to injury, but he performed well when healthy and even won Big 12 Rookie of the Year in 2024.
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Levitt had a big arm and was more flexible than Hoover. If the Vols want Saulsby and he goes elsewhere, Leavitt could be a good backup plan. Due to injuries, the quarterback’s stock may be a little lower than the other quarterbacks mentioned. In 2025, Leavitt threw for 1,628 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions.
Kenny Minch, Notre Dame
Kenny Minchey is another interesting name, but I’m not sure how likely he is to consider his lack of experience. However, considering the quarterback is from Tennessee and is an impressive athlete at the position, he must be mentioned.
Minch lost the QB1 battle to C.J. Carr ahead of the 2025 season and will now look to move on elsewhere. The quarterback has been described as a “game manager” who is spot-on in the middle of the field and can also make plays with his legs.
