Tennessee QB, former 4-star recruit, reportedly plans to enter transfer portal
By Luke Greco
Published:
Tennessee quarterback Jake Merklinger plans to enter the transfer portal, according to On3 Sports. The Savannah, Georgia, native will have 2 years of eligibility remaining.
Merklinger joined the Vols in 2024. Over the course of the past two seasons, Merklinger has thrown 33 passes and completed 19 of them, totaling 221 yards and 2 touchdowns. His best game came this season against East Tennessee State, as he completed 9 of his 14 passing attempts for 118 yards and 2 touchdowns.
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound QB will be looking for a new home come next season.
Merklinger was a part of the 2024 class coming out of high school. He was ranked as a 4-star and the No. 11 QB in the entire class on the 247Sports Composite. After being the backup the past 2 seasons, Merklinger will likely look to shine somewhere he can be the starter.
Tennessee was the only school Merklinger officially visited coming out of high school. He held offers from numerous schools such as Auburn, Florida, Georgia, and Miami.
Tennessee will look to finish its season on a high note as it takes on Illinois in the Music City Bowl on Tuesday, Dec. 30.
