Tennessee Vols' QB Battle Remains Unsettled After Spring Game

Sophomore running back Javin Gordon steals the show with a powerful 61-yard touchdown run.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:00am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Tennessee Volunteers football game, with players and the field broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color, capturing the dynamic energy and uncertainty of the team's quarterback competition.Tennessee's spring game leaves the team's quarterback situation in flux, but sophomore running back Javin Gordon's explosive play offers a glimpse of the Volunteers' offensive potential.Knoxville Today

Tennessee's annual Orange & White spring football game provided few clues about the Volunteers' starting quarterback competition, as head coach Josh Heupel acknowledged he still hasn't decided on a clear QB1 heading into the summer. However, the standout performance came from sophomore running back Javin Gordon, a transfer from Tulane, who broke free for an impressive 61-yard touchdown run that showcased his physicality and power.

Why it matters

Tennessee is looking to build on a solid 2025 season under Heupel, but the team's quarterback situation remains unsettled. With several talented options vying for the starting job, Heupel's inability to name a clear starter after the spring game suggests the competition will likely extend into fall camp, creating uncertainty around the team's offensive identity heading into the new season.

The details

Gordon's long touchdown run was one of the few explosive plays in an otherwise lackluster Orange & White game that failed to provide clarity on Tennessee's quarterback battle. Heupel acknowledged after the scrimmage that he still hasn't decided on a starting QB, with several players competing for the job, including returning starter Kaden Moore and highly touted transfers Cade Klubnik and Devin Brown.

  • Tennessee held its annual Orange & White spring game on April 12, 2026.

The players

Josh Heupel

The head football coach of the University of Tennessee Volunteers.

Javin Gordon

A sophomore running back who transferred to Tennessee from Tulane University.

Kaden Moore

A returning starting quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers.

Cade Klubnik

A highly touted transfer quarterback competing for the starting job at Tennessee.

Devin Brown

Another highly touted transfer quarterback competing for the starting job at Tennessee.

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What they’re saying

“Didn't create enough explosive plays,”

— Josh Heupel, Head Coach

What’s next

Tennessee will continue its quarterback competition throughout the summer and into fall camp as the team prepares for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Tennessee's annual spring game failed to provide clarity on the team's quarterback situation, as head coach Josh Heupel acknowledged he still hasn't decided on a clear starter. However, the standout performance from running back Javin Gordon suggests the Volunteers may lean more heavily on their ground game in 2026 as the QB battle plays out.