Tue Dec 30 22:50:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

Tennessee Volunteers coach Josh Heupel has stated that freshman quarterback George MacIntyre is unlikely to see planned playing time in the Music City Bowl against Illinois. Joey Aguilar will start the game, likely his last for the team, with MacIntyre serving as the backup. Heupel will evaluate the game’s flow before considering playing MacIntyre.

News Article:

Aguilar to Start at QB for Vols in Music City Bowl; MacIntyre’s Playing Time Uncertain

NASHVILLE, TN – Tennessee Volunteers fans hoping to see freshman quarterback George MacIntyre in action at the Music City Bowl might have to wait. Head coach Josh Heupel announced that Joey Aguilar will start the game against Illinois on Saturday, with MacIntyre serving as the backup.

At a press conference held at Opryland Hotel on Friday, Heupel addressed questions regarding MacIntyre’s potential playing time. While acknowledging the former Brentwood Academy four-star recruit is a talented player, Heupel clarified there are no plans to force him into the game.

“We’ll kind of see how the game unfolds and what the identity of the game is,” Heupel said. “There’s nothing where we plan on putting (MacIntyre) in on the second series or anything like that.”

Aguilar, who has started for the Vols since the injury to Joe Milton III, is expected to take the majority of the snaps, likely making this his final game for the University of Tennessee. The coaching staff is focusing on putting the team in the best position to win, and that currently means relying on Aguilar’s experience.

The Music City Bowl kicks off Saturday afternoon at Nissan Stadium.

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