Following Tennessee’s heartbreaking loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff, the Volunteers find themselves at a crucial crossroads in their quest to return to national prominence. With a talented roster that has made great strides under head coach Josh Heupel, the next step is to bolster the team through strategic moves in the transfer portal. While Tennessee’s offense has been a dynamic force under Heupel, the Volunteers need to target specific positions to ensure they can compete with the elite programs in the country.
One position that stands out as an immediate need is quarterback. Despite the solid play of Joe Milton, his performance in the CFP loss highlighted some limitations, particularly in consistency and decision-making. While Milton has a cannon for an arm, there are moments when his inaccuracy and inability to make critical plays in high-pressure situations become glaring weaknesses. If Tennessee aims to take the next step and seriously challenge for a national championship, adding a high-caliber quarterback through the transfer portal is a necessity.
### Why a Quarterback Is the Priority
The quarterback position is the engine of any offense, and under Heupel’s fast-paced, high-octane system, it’s even more vital. The Volunteers’ offense relies heavily on the passing game, with wide receivers like Bru McCoy and Squirrel White demanding the ball in space. A quarterback who can distribute the ball accurately and make key plays when it matters most is the missing piece for Tennessee’s offensive puzzle.
While Joe Milton has shown flashes of brilliance during his time in Knoxville, his struggles in critical moments have raised questions about his ability to lead the team in high-stakes games like the College Football Playoff. The ability to maintain poise and precision when the game is on the line is a trait that elite quarterbacks possess, and it’s something Milton has yet to fully develop. A transfer quarterback with more experience, accuracy, and composure under pressure could elevate Tennessee’s offense to a championship level.
### Transfer Portal Options
There are several quarterbacks available in the transfer portal who could potentially make an immediate impact at Tennessee. One intriguing name is Spencer Sanders, the former Oklahoma State quarterback who has extensive experience and demonstrated the ability to play at a high level in the Big 12. Sanders is known for his athleticism, strong arm, and leadership qualities—traits that would fit seamlessly into Heupel’s system.
Another possibility is Devin Leary, who previously played at NC State. Leary is known for his accuracy, decision-making, and ability to excel in the passing game. He would bring stability and a calm presence to Tennessee’s offense, making him a potential game-changer in big moments.
### The Impact of Adding a Proven Quarterback
By adding a proven quarterback to their roster, Tennessee would not only improve their offensive consistency but also make them more competitive in the SEC and nationally. A transfer quarterback who can come in and immediately make an impact would solidify the Volunteers as a legitimate contender for the national title.
Moreover, bringing in a quarterback with experience in high-pressure situations would help take some of the weight off the shoulders of Tennessee’s skill players. With the right signal-caller, the wide receivers and running backs can thrive in the system, knowing that their quarterback will deliver the ball on time and on target.
In conclusion, Tennessee’s loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff has made it clear that the Volunteers need to address their quarterback position to truly compete at the highest level. A strategic move in the transfer portal to secure a proven, experienced quarterback would provide the stability and leadership necessary for Tennessee to make a deep playoff run in the future. This move could be the missing link to elevate the program and position the Volunteers for championship contention in 2025.
