Jake Merklinger News: Not starting season opener

Published on August 17, 2025

Merklinger will start the season as a backup for the Volunteers, per Matt Zenitz of 247Sports.com.

Merklinger has been locked in a position battle for the starting role with fellow signal-caller Joey Aguilar throughout the offseason, but Aguilar is set to start the 2025 season for Tennessee. Merklinger will likely begin the season as the primary backup for the Volunteers.