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By Tyler Erzberger
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The transfer portal is booming with big stars declaring their intent to transfer once it officially opens in early January, and another quarterback from a major school has added their name to the list.
Jake Merklinger of the Tennessee Volunteers is set to enter the transfer portal, leaving Knoxville behind to find a new university to call home in 2026.
A four-star high school recruit out of Georgia, Merklinger was the 13th-ranked quarterback in the 2024 class and came to the Volunteers expecting to become their star quarterback of the future.
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In 2024, behind Nico Iamaleava, he watched as Tennessee had one of its best seasons of the 21st century, going 10-2 before losing in the first round of the College Football Playoff to the eventual winner, Ohio State.
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After the season, following a dramatic back-and-forth, Iamaleava bolted for more money out in Southern California with the UCLA Bruins. While some thought Merklinger might have a chance to start, it was Joey Aguilar, the veteran from Appalachian State, who took over the reins and threw for over 3,000 yards for the Volunteers as a starter.
While it can be presumed Merklinger would be in line to be the starter or at least in competition for the job in 2026, the former four-star decided to transfer instead in search of a place where he will be the main man.
In the limited snaps he got in 2025, Merklinger went 13 for 24 on passes with two touchdowns and no giveaways in three early, non-conference games.
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