ESPN Labels Tennessee Football’s 2025 Offseason Among Nation’s Worst
The Tennessee Volunteers are facing a challenging 2025 offseason, with ESPN highlighting their struggles as among the most significant in the nation. Once ranked No. 19 in ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top 25, Tennessee has now fallen out of the rankings, primarily due to the departure of starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava .
Iamaleava’s exit stemmed from a dispute over his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) contract. The quarterback sought to renegotiate his $8 million deal, aiming for an increase to $4 million annually. Tennessee declined, leading Iamaleava to enter the transfer portal and subsequently join UCLA . His departure leaves a significant void, as he led the Volunteers to a 10–3 record and their first College Football Playoff appearance in 2024 .
The quarterback situation is further complicated by the transfer of backup Joey Aguilar to Tennessee from UCLA, following Iamaleava’s move in the opposite direction . Aguilar, who previously played at Appalachian State, brings experience but faces the challenge of integrating into a new system. Additionally, redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and true freshman George MacIntyre are competing for the starting role, highlighting the uncertainty at the position.
The Volunteers also suffered losses in their receiving corps, with standout wide receiver Marquarius “Squirrel” White transferring to Florida State for his final year of eligibility . White’s departure further depletes Tennessee’s offensive weapons, adding to the team’s offseason woes.
Despite these challenges, head coach Josh Heupel remains focused on rebuilding. The team has made efforts to bolster the secondary, notably with the addition of transfer cornerback Colton Hood from Colorado. Hood’s arrival aims to strengthen the defense, providing some optimism amid the offseason turmoil.
As Tennessee prepares for the upcoming season, the team faces significant hurdles. The loss of key players and the resulting instability have raised concerns about the Volunteers’ competitiveness in the SEC. The coaching staff’s ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in determining the team’s success in the 2025 campaign.