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SEC Sports
WATCH: Tennessee Football posts practice highlight but blurs out QB who threw INT
On Sunday, Tennessee football posted a video of an interception at practice, but blurred out the quarterback who threw it.
Tennessee is doing what it can to prevent its quarterbacks from taking criticism before the season even begins. On Sunday, the football teamās official X account posted a video of defensive back Colton Hood intercepting a pass at practice.
However, when eagle-eyed fans attempted to slow down the video to see who threw the pass, they noticed that Tennesseeās media team had blurred out the quarterback responsible. Tennessee is still in the midst of a quarterback competition for the starting spot and it appears the program doesnāt want any unrequested outside feedback.
However, when eagle-eyed fans attempted to slow down the video to see who threw the pass, they noticed that Tennesseeās media team had blurred out the quarterback responsible. Tennessee is still in the midst of a quarterback competition for the starting spot and it appears the program doesnāt want any unrequested outside feedback.
Itās currently a three-man race for Tennesseeās QB1 title. Joey Aguilar is reportedly the frontrunner. He transferred to Tennessee this offseason from UCLA after former Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava joined the Bruins, essentially completing a college football trade.
Aguilar has more experience than any of his competition for the position. He spent two seasons as Appalachian Stateās starting quarterback before transferring to UCLA. In the 2024 campaign, he tallied 3,003 passing yards and 23 touchdowns, compared to 14 interceptions.
Redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger is widely considered the greatest threat to Aguilar securing the QB1 title. Merklinger was a four-star prospect in the 2024 recruiting cycle and had a solid showing in Tennesseeās spring game.
While he lacks game experience, heās had more time than Aguilar to soak in Tennesseeās offensive schemes. True freshman George MacIntyre is the final quarterback in the hunt for the Volunteersā starting slot behind center.
He was the No. 15 quarterback in the 2025 recruiting cycle, but is considered the least likely to land the coveted starting spot. Last week, Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel emphasized the importance of being on the same page as his quarterbacks.
āThe communication side of it, it impacts it a great deal,ā Heupel said. ā⦠When they got back in the summer, they understood this isnāt something thatās going to be decided in June. Itās not going to be decided in July. Got to go earn it and take it during the course of training camp.
āEverything that you do is a part of who you are as a player, but also how youāre impacting and ultimately making the 10 guys around you better too. As we go through training camp, those conversations will be had with, collectively, the group as well, so that they can see that itās transparent, itās real, and thereās no misinformation.ā
On Aug. 30, Tennessee will kick off its 2025 campaign with a showdown against Syracuse at noon ET. The game will air live on ABC.