Photo via Tony Harman | Colorado Athletics
Tennessee football has found its transfer portal quarterback. After taking a stab at Sam Leavitt and reportedly attempting to coax Ty Simpson into the portal, the Vols have landed on Colorado transfer Ryan Staub, according to Pete Thamel.
The addition of Staub is far from a sure-fire starting option like Leavitt or Simpson would’ve been, though. Instead, he’ll be inserted into a quarterback battle with redshirt-freshman George MacIntyre and true freshman Faizon Brandon. Having three scholarship signal callers in the room was a necessary move, though.
Staub just completed his redshirt-sophomore season at Colorado. He played in five games for the Buffs this past year, starting in one. He was joined by former Vol Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis in their quarterback room.
During the 2025 campaign, Staub completed 30-of-55 passes for 427 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions. He also ran for 30 yards and a score.
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Staub played in four games in his redshirt-freshman season in 2024. In 2023, played in three games and started in one. He was a three-star prospect out of high school.
This gives Staub two years of eligibility remaining. He has garnered interest from some other significant programs across the country this portal cycle, but many of those schools have already filled their quarterback rooms, like LSU, Ohio State, Kentucky and Cincinnati.
Staub is now the 18th addition out of the transfer portal for UT this cycle. He joins offensive tackle Ory Williams from LSU, offensive lineman Donovan Haslam from West Virginia, running back Javin Gordon from Tulane and tight end Trent Thomas from South Alabama as offensive additions. Staub’s former Colorado teammate Isaiah Hardge, who can play both ways, also committed on Sunday.
The majority of the portal effort has been on defense, though. Tennessee has also added a pair of specialists in kicker Cooper Ranvier from Louisville and longsnapper Blake Howard from EKU.
