Tennessee lands transfer commitment from former Big 12 QB
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Tennessee is waiting on a decision on Joey Aguilar, as the Volunteers’ starting quarterback is part of a lawsuit with other former JUCO players hoping for another year of eligibility in 2026.
On Sunday, though, the Vols added another QB to the roster. Ryan Staub, who spent three seasons at Colorado, has committed to Tennessee, he told ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Staub, who was part of Deion Sanders’ first recruiting class in Boulder in 2023, initially served as Shedeur Sanders’ backup. In 2023, he played in four games, completing 23 of his 40 passes for 254 yards. He received his first career start against Utah in the final week of the season in place of an injured Sanders, throwing for 195 yards and a touchdown. In 2024, he played in four games but attempted just four passes.
With Sanders leaving for the NFL Draft after the season, Staub found himself competing with veteran Kaidon Salter and true freshman Julian Lewis before Salter was named the starter. But Salter’s inconsistent play meant Staub was called on several times in relief as he threw for 427 yards, three touchdowns, and four interceptions in five games.
Staub now joins a Vols quarterback room that is currently set to include George McIntyre and heralded five-star recruit Faizon Brandon. Jake Merklinger, Aguilar’s backup in 2025, transferred to UConn.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
