3 things to watch for in Josh Heupel’s first spring game at Tennessee

Tennessee football fans can look forward to an intriguing spring game on Saturday, though there will continue to be more questions than answers in 2021.

Few newly hired head coaches have the kind of task Josh Heupel faces with Tennessee in 2021.

Heupel needs to win over the fan base while rebuilding a squad devastated by transfers, all while battling with powerhouses in the SEC.

Saturday’s Tennessee spring game will at least give Heupel the chance to prove he has the team on the right track.

3. Which quarterback will take the reins?

Tennessee’s quarterback room looks quite a bit different than it did last year. Jarret Guarantano and J.T. Shrout transferred away while Hendon Hooker arrived from Virginia Tech. He’ll join Harrison Bailey and Brian Maurer in battling for the starting job.

One of those quarterbacks will need to stand out from among the rest. Since the competition is wide open, any one of those contenders could have a big day and put themselves in great position going into the summer.

Of course, things might get complicated on Saturday, with Michigan’s Joe Milton planning to announce his transfer choice between Tennessee and Washington State.

The possibility of Milton joining the Vols should give Hooker, Bailey and Maurer more incentive to make plays.

Heupel’s offense can’t survive without a functional quarterback, so this battle can’t be overlooked.