Tennessee freshman QB George MacIntyre kicks off spring game by launching impressive TD pass

Nico Iamaleava? Never heard of him. That’s how George MacIntyre is making Tennessee fans feel on Saturday. The freshman quarterback is easing the pain of divorce by launching touchdown passes during the Volunteers’ Spring Game on Saturday.

Check out the video below. MacIntyre didn’t expect to be competing for the starting job at the moment, but much has changed for Tennessee over the past few days. He’s seizing the opportunity, it seems.

Tennessee true freshman QB George MacIntyre dropped a dime in the end zone at the Vols' spring game🍊

(via @VolFan_Cam)pic.twitter.com/VzKAbp6DLE

— On3 (@On3sports) April 12, 2025

Perhaps the hype is real with MacIntyre, and the timing couldn’t be better. He played high school football at Brentwood Academy (Nashville, TN), where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 192 overall recruit in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

With Iamaleava entering the transfer portal, Tennessee is going to need a quarterback to rally around. MacIntyre could be that guy, especially if he proves himself ready throughout the spring and the summer in Knoxville.

“Every year, they’ve gotten better and a little more talented,” MacIntyre said regarding Tennessee, speaking with On3 in June. “I think this year will probably be the most talented team that coach Heupel’s had at Tennessee. Every year, he has to build off that and keep getting better and better.

“I see coach Heupel taking us to the promised land. We’ve been in a championship drought for a while and if anyone is the person to break it, I think it’s him.”

More on George MacIntyre, Tennessee Volunteers 

George MacIntyre has all the skills to succeed at the college level. Here’s what On3’s scouting and rankings team wrote about him as a prospect.

“Tall signal caller with strong projectable tools as a passer and playmaker. Measured in at around 6-foot-5.5, 185 pounds with a 9.25-inch hand prior to his junior season. Has a tall, wiry build that should continue to fill out over time. Touts a tight, compact throwing motion. The release is whippy quick at times. Flashes solid arm strength, with the ability to flick passes out to the boundary and downfield. Mechanical foundation points to a baseline level of accuracy. 

“A bouncy, light-footed mover within the pocket. Avoids pressure in the backfield, stepping up in the pocket. Capable of making high-level second-reaction plays. Has encouraging improvisational skills. Shows a long stride in the open field. Doubles as a high-level high school basketball player and received high major looks as an underclassman. Plays a tough schedule, but does not have the production or efficiency typical of an elite quarterback prospect. High school team struggled in his junior season. Does not always spin the ball well. Will need to continue making strides as a player on Friday night and adding weight to his frame.”