Deion Sanders' Protege Joins Tennessee QB Competition

Former Colorado backup Ryan Staub brings leadership and positivity to the Vols' quarterback battle.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 9:05am

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Quarterback Ryan Staub, who previously played under Deion Sanders at Colorado, has transferred to Tennessee and is now competing for the starting job. Staub is known for his positive attitude, strong leadership skills, and close relationship with Sanders, who praised him as a "great human being" and "leader." While Staub has limited game experience, Tennessee coaches are excited about his intelligence, work ethic, and ability to run the offense.

Why it matters

Tennessee is looking to replace starting quarterback Joe Milton, who departed after last season. The Vols' quarterback competition is wide open, and Staub's addition provides an experienced option with a strong connection to the coaching staff. His personality and leadership could make him a valuable asset, even if he doesn't win the starting job outright.

The details

Staub spent the last three seasons at Colorado, where he served as the backup to Deion Sanders' son, Shedeur. In limited playing time, Staub completed 30 of 55 passes for 427 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. Tennessee offensive coordinator Joey Halzle praised Staub's intelligence and ability to quickly process the offense, saying he's a "guy that we feel very comfortable with." Staub is competing with redshirt freshman George MacIntyre and five-star freshman Faizon Brandon for the starting quarterback job.

  • Staub transferred from Colorado to Tennessee in January 2026.
  • Staub spoke to the media about the quarterback competition on March 17, 2026, the first week of Tennessee's spring practice.

The players

Ryan Staub

A quarterback who transferred from Colorado to Tennessee in 2026, known for his positive attitude, strong leadership skills, and close relationship with Deion Sanders, his former coach at Colorado.

Deion Sanders

The head coach at Colorado, where Staub previously played. Sanders praised Staub as a "great human being" and "leader" among the quarterbacks.

Joey Halzle

The offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Tennessee, who expressed confidence in Staub's ability to run the offense.

George MacIntyre

A redshirt freshman quarterback at Tennessee, competing with Staub and Faizon Brandon for the starting job.

Faizon Brandon

A five-star freshman quarterback at Tennessee, competing with Staub and MacIntyre for the starting job.

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What they’re saying

“I had a dream' of getting an opportunity to play.”

— Ryan Staub

“I grabbed this photo from 1 of my favorite players stopped by to see me before he left town to go continue his college career at @vol_football @ryan.staub. Love ya man! Go do yo Thang.”

— Deion Sanders, Head Coach, Colorado

“Ryan Staub is a great human being, a leader amongst that room.”

— Deion Sanders, Head Coach, Colorado

What’s next

Tennessee coaches have said they won't name a starting quarterback until after spring practice, so the competition between Staub, MacIntyre, and Brandon will continue throughout the offseason.

The takeaway

Staub's addition to the Tennessee quarterback room brings valuable experience, leadership, and a positive attitude that could make him a valuable asset for the Vols, even if he doesn't win the starting job outright. His close relationship with Deion Sanders and reputation as a team-first player suggest he could be a steadying presence in the quarterback competition.