'Don't think he will ever be an elite guy' – SEC staffer makes strong statement about former Vols QB who's projected to start this fall

A couple of former Tennessee Volunteers quarterbacks are projected to start at non Power-4 programs this fall.

A couple of former Tennessee Vols quarterbacks are projected to start for non-Power-4 programs this fall.

Former Vols quarterback Jake Merklinger, who left Tennessee after the 2025 season following his two years on Rocky Top, is expected to start for UConn in 2026.

Merklinger was recently ranked by The Athletic as the No. 102 starting quarterback in college football.

An anonymous SEC personnel staffer shared their opinion of Merklinger with The Athletic and it shows why he was never a big factor at Tennessee.

“He’s athletic. Comfortable on the move,” said SEC personnel staffer. “Not elite arm strength. … Little up and down accuracy. Needs a lot of reps. Don’t think he will ever be an elite guy. He’s the type that can make an offense run, but not going to win you games.”

Merklinger passed for 173 yards and two touchdowns last season while operating as Tennessee’s backup quarterback.

Jake Merklinger is not the only former Tennessee quarterback who is projected to start in 2026.

Former Volunteers quarterback Tayven Jackson is expected to start for North Texas in 2026.

Jackson started his career at Tennessee in 2022 before transferring to Indiana. He spent the 2025 season at UCF before landing at North Texas.

The Athletic ranked Jackson as the No. 83 starting quarterback in college football.

“He’ll do a good job in that conference (The American),” said a Power-4 personnel director to The Athletic of Jackson. “He’s a big kid, can throw a good ball. Not the most dynamic runner, but he’s big enough where you can utilize him in that way.”

Jackson passed for 2,151 yards, 10 touchdowns, and eight interceptions at UCF last season in the most extensive action of his college career. He also rushed for 85 yards and three touchdowns.

As for Faizon Brandon, the quarterback who many believe will start for Tennessee in 2026, he’s ranked No. 75 by The Athletic.

“Brandon has the size and ability,” said an SEC general manager to The Athletic. “Just have to see him process.”

Josh Heupel likely won’t name a starting quarterback until late August, but it would be a mild surprise if it’s not Brandon.

This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: ‘Don't think he will ever be an elite guy' – SEC staffer makes strong statement about former Vols QB who's projected to start this fall

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