Brian Maurer enters transfer portal

We officially have our first exit from the Tennessee quarterback room. In a four man race, it was bound to happen, and it has (finally) today after much deliberation.

Quarterback Brian Maurer has entered the transfer portal and will now look for new opportunities. The redshirt sophomore quarterback was demoted to the No. 4 man on the depth chart, despite a strong performance in the Orange and White Game. He has missed the last several practices, which included two scrimmages.

The arrival of Joe Milton from Michigan pushed him even further down, and now he makes the decision to leave after participating in just a handful of fall practices. The former three-star quarterback is out of Ocala, Florida.

Maurer saw significant playing time as a freshman, taking over for struggling veteran Jarrett Guarantano. He found instant success, flashing against Georgia and South Carolina. Maurer really opened up the offense with his aggression as a passer, but also struggled with interceptions.

Ultimately, two concussions stopped his progress in its tracks, and Maurer was never able to recover. He gave the new staff a chance, but today he becomes the first quarterback to exit the battle.

Tennessee is left with Harrison Bailey, Joe Milton and Hendon Hooker at quarterback. The three have been battling it out since camp began, with Milton continuing to operate as the perceived leader.

The Vols will kick-off their season on Thursday, September 2nd, against Bowling Green.