Week of July 14th 2025
Vols at SEC Media Days, Titans Training Camp Preview, Football Recruiting, and BasketVols Commit
Josh Heupel Talks Quarterback Competition, Leadership at SEC Media Days
Josh Heupel didn’t need any gimmicks when he stepped to the podium Tuesday at SEC Media Days in Atlanta. He didn’t bring flashy slogans. Instead, the Tennessee head coach delivered something far more valuable: confidence, and a roadmap for a team wanting to take the next step.
“Embarking into year five,” Heupel began, “I really rewound back to year one and how myself and our staff came to Tennessee and the adversity in which we took the program over. What has crippled other programs in the past, the University of Tennessee and our football program has been able to flourish.”
Flourish indeed. Heupel proudly pointed out the Vols’ 30 wins over the last three seasons. “The most in Tennessee in the stretch of three years since the late ’90s.” He also referenced improved academic culture, increased NFL Draft output, and elite rushing numbers. “Last two years we’ve led the SEC in rushing. Four straight years over 125 yards per game. That’s never been done in the history of Tennessee football.”
But as expected, the biggest question of the day centered on the quarterback position. With Nico Iamaleava bolting to UCLA this spring, Heupel now oversees a true three-man race between transfer Joey Aguilar, redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger, and true-freshman early enrollee George MacIntyre.
“We will have a competition at the quarterback position,” Heupel stated. “Joey, Merklinger, and George… what those three guys have done since they’ve been on campus… their ability to compete in a positive way with each other in the meeting room and on the field… I’m really excited about getting on the field with those guys.”
Heupel had high praise for Aguilar’s leadership. “The first week he was here, [he was] taking offensive linemen out to dinner. Those are little steps in developing a relationship with guys where you can eventually lead them.”
Still, the quarterback job won’t be handed out lightly.
“I think it’s really important that everybody on your team sees that guy earn that job,” Heupel emphasized. “The ability to command the offense, handle a bad play and reset, handle a good play and keep going. Those things matter.”
Heupel praised Merklinger for his growth in accuracy and command and called all three quarterbacks “smart, highly competitive guys” who have gained the trust of the locker room.
Beyond the quarterback room, Heupel made it clear that Tennessee’s defense has evolved into a unit worthy of the program’s proud tradition. “You guys maybe heard the quote from me last year that elite defense is required, and it’s our history at Tennessee. It’s the home of Reggie White, Al Wilson, Eric Berry.”
Under DC Tim Banks, the Vols have led the SEC in tackles for loss since 2021 and finished top-10 nationally in six defensive categories last season. Defensive line coach Rodney Garner and new assistants like Marion Hobby and Levorn Harbin have added further experience. “We’ve got a plethora of resources for our guys that sit in that defensive line room,” Heupel said.
Among the players representing Tennessee in Atlanta was linebacker Arion Carter, whom Heupel described as the model of consistency. “Nobody is more consistent in who he is as he comes into the building every single day. There’s nobody putting in more extra work.”
Tight end Miles Kitselman, another media day representative, also drew praise. “He’s our utility knife,” Heupel said. “He can be in-line, off the ball, play in space, block, pass protect, make plays downfield. He’s got great understanding of spatial relationships in the pass game.”
On the offensive side, Heupel addressed last year’s inconsistent starts in games, acknowledging that Tennessee failed to score in the first quarter in six of its final nine contests.
“You want to start fast. That can apply pressure. But when it doesn’t, you’ve got to keep playing,” he said. “You rewind and look at early ballgames last year—we turned it over twice inside the red zone. That comes down to the small details. Fundamentals and technique.”
As Tennessee transitions into fall camp, Heupel said one of his biggest messages has been urgency, especially for young players. “Our young guys don’t have time to be young,” he said. “That’s been a part of the message our leadership has applied to them. I’m extremely excited about the young talent and competitive traits we have, but we’ve got to have a great training camp.”
And with a Power 4 season opener against Syracuse in Atlanta looming, Heupel noted how fitting it is to begin the season in the same city where the Vols gathered for Media Days.
“I know there’s going to be a lot of orange inside that stadium,” he said with a grin, “and we’ve got to make sure it’s the right shade of orange.”
When asked about rivalries against Georgia and Alabama, Heupel didn’t dodge the tough questions. “We haven’t been able to be on the right side of the scoreboard in that [Georgia] game,” he admitted. “It’s about tying all three phases of the game together.”
On the Third Saturday in October: “It’s one of the greatest rivalries I’ve ever been involved in. Looking forward to going down there and competing with this group.”
As for navigating the new world of NIL and roster turnover?
“What it takes to be successful when the ball is teed up has not changed. You’ve got to have tough, smart, relentless competitors who love football and care about the people around them.”
And that’s exactly what Heupel sees in this 2025 Tennessee team.
“Anybody that knows me,” he said with a smile, “knows that I’m ready for talking season to be over. Ready to go tee it up and go play.”
Tennessee Picked to Finish 9th in SEC by Media
Ahead of the Vols in the poll were Texas (picked to win the SEC with 96 first-place votes), Georgia, Alabama, LSU, South Carolina, Florida, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M. Just behind Tennessee were Oklahoma, Auburn, Missouri, and the rest of the bottom tier of Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Mississippi State.
Despite the ranking, history suggests not to take the projection too seriously. Under Josh Heupel, Tennessee has finished above their preseason media ranking in three of his four seasons, including last year when the Vols were picked seventh but finished tied for second in the league. Tennessee also has double-digit win seasons in two of the last three years and made a playoff push just last fall.
Heupel made it clear at SEC Media Days that the program is still hungry. “Everybody inside of our program will tell you that the taste that was left in our mouth in December… that’s not the goal,” he said. “We want to get in [the playoff], but you’ve got to go win.”
On the individual side, three Vols were named to the preseason All-SEC teams. Cornerback Jermod McCoy earned first-team honors, while Boo Carter (DB) and Arion Carter (LB) were both placed on the third team
Titans Training Camp Kicks off July 22nd
Football is back in the Music City.
The Tennessee Titans report to Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park on Tuesday, July 22 for the official start of 2025 Training Camp, with the first practice kicking off at 9:05 a.m. on Wednesday. This will be Brian Callahan’s second training camp as head coach and the start of a new chapter under newly hired general manager Mike Borgonzi.
While the Titans underwent a significant transformation this offseason, the core message remains the same: compete, develop, and build something sustainable. Callahan, entering Year 2, returns alongside offensive coordinator Nick Holz and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, but special teams gets a shakeup with the addition of longtime NFL coach John Fassel.
Meanwhile, Borgonzi wasted no time putting his stamp on the roster. Since taking over in the spring after 16 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Borgonzi has added 48 new players through free agency, the draft, and waivers. That includes former Lions standout guard Kevin Zeitler, veteran wideouts Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson, and the franchise’s first No. 1 overall pick since 1978: quarterback Cam Ward.
Ward enters camp as the most anticipated Titans rookie in years, coming off a record-setting college career that included a Heisman finalist nod in his lone season at Miami. All eyes will be on the QB room as he begins his NFL journey.
Fans can get a firsthand look at the team during ‘Back Together Weekend’ on Saturday, July 26, with a free, open practice at Nissan Stadium. Tickets must be claimed in advance at tennesseetitans.com.
Joint practices are scheduled against the Buccaneers (Aug. 7) and Falcons (Aug. 12–13), and there will be a nationally televised preseason finale vs. the Vikings (Aug. 22).
Vol Football Recruiting Nuggets
Coach Heupel is trying to put some nice bows on the 2026 recruiting class, and the final targets are some of the most-coveted prospects nationally.
We start with two of the most important football names left on the board: Savion Hiter and Tristen Keys.
Hiter, the No.1 running back in the country, apparently is nearing closer to a decision. There was some July buzz, but August now feels like the more likely timeline for an announcement. While programs like Georgia and Ohio State have lingered in the background, it’s clear that this has become a head-to-head battle between Tennessee and Michigan.
What gives the Vols a real shot? Running backs coach De’Rail Sims has been the driving force here, building a strong relationship with Hiter despite his low-profile, quiet approach to the process. Those around Hiter don’t talk much, but Tennessee feels like it has put itself in a great position to close.
Meanwhile Keys, the No. 1 wide receiver in the country, currently committed to LSU, may not stay that way much longer. Tennessee has always had a strong presence in Keys’ recruitment, and insiders believe the Vols continue to hold the best relationships, especially through his regular conversations with Tennessee QB commit Faizon Brandon.
That said, Texas A&M is making a serious push of its own. The critical question is whether Keys will take more visits this fall. If he does, Tennessee should get another chance to make its case. No timeline is firm yet, but this one could come to a head during the season.
Joel Wyatt, now at powerhouse Oakland in Murfreesboro, has cooled slightly. Tennessee is open to giving him a shot at safety, but this recruitment may stretch deep into the fall as both sides continue to evaluate.
Kamari Blair appeared to be leaning Tennessee’s way until South Carolina swooped in late with a bigger NIL offer. Despite the last-minute flip, Tennessee hasn’t shut the door and plans to stay involved throughout the season.
Salesi Moa is still locked in a two-team race between Tennessee and Utah. Wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope is leading the charge for the Vols and staying in regular contact. Moa is in no rush to end things yet.
Darius Gray is also in SEC territory, with Tennessee battling LSU and South Carolina. No one has pulled away, but Tennessee is firmly in the mix.
Rick Barnes Lands International Transfer
Tennessee Basketball has officially added international combo guard Ethan Burg to its 2025–26 roster. The 22-year-old from Israel committed to the Vols on Friday afternoon after being cleared by the NCAA, and he’s expected to have multiple years of eligibility remaining.
Burg spent the last two seasons playing professionally with Bnei Herzliya in Israel, where he developed into a consistent backcourt presence. Last season, he averaged 11.1 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game while shooting 44.7% from the field and a strong 37.6% from three over 24 games. He brings a polished offensive skill set and valuable international experience to a Tennessee roster that saw heavy turnover this offseason.
The Vols have been in the market for a veteran backcourt piece, and Burg fits the bill. While he hasn’t played college ball, his professional background and maturity at age 22 could make him an important piece to the roster. Burg becomes the second international player Rick Barnes and his staff have added this offseason, joining French prospect Clarence Massamba.
With Burg’s addition, Tennessee’s scholarship count is now full heading into fall camp. Several outlets have the Vols as a dark horse contender for the Final Four next season, as Rick Barnes has done a phenomenal job of building out the roster after all the turnover from last season.