In January, when quarterback Ryan Staub transferred from Colorado to Tennessee football, he stopped by coach Deion Sanders’ office to say goodbye.
That’s not a common occurrence in the business-like environment of college football these days, which is fueled by NIL money and the transfer portal.
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But it was a heartfelt moment between a coach and player that Sanders was eager to share on social media.
“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,” Sanders posted on Instagram.
Sanders’ affection for Staub was already well known. Last season, he called Staub a “great human being, a leader amongst that room.”
In 2024, Staub served as the backup to Shedeur Sanders, Deion’s son. In 2025, Staub had a strong performance coming off the bench against Delaware, which produced a viral moment.
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In the postgame interview, Staub said, “I had a dream” of getting an opportunity to play. Sanders quickly quipped that he was “Martin Luther Staub,” a nickname that stuck on social media.
Well, it was obvious within a few moments of Staub’s media debut at Tennessee why Sanders liked him so much. It could reveal where he fits into the Vols’ quarterback competition.
How Ryan Staub’s personality stood out among quarterbacks
Staub is battling redshirt freshman George MacIntyre and five-star freshman Faizon Brandon for the starting quarterback job.
All three spoke to the media on March 17 during the first week of spring practice. MacIntyre was business-like. Brandon was humble. Staub was a beaming bundle of positivity.
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“What I get to do for a living right now is just so amazing. I’m grateful,” Staub said. “I wake up every day and look at this city and walk into this building and I’m like, ‘Wow, this is the coolest thing ever.’
“So how could you not be happy and grateful for this opportunity? It’s the coolest thing.”
Staub spent most of his eight-minute interview praising his new teammates and coaches, the state of Tennessee, the city of Knoxville, the Vols football program, Colorado and even Sanders – whom he called “an unbelievable person.”
It almost appeared as though the California native was running for public office in two other states.
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“I’m from Los Angeles. I had never been to Tennessee before I got here. But I’m loving every part of it,” Staub said. “Colorado is obviously a great place. I have amazing memories there. But the way things are run here, it seems like it’s the next level up. It seems like everything is so buttoned up.
“It’s organized. It’s awesome. Obviously, no shade on Colorado. I love that place. But everything here seems even that much more professional.”
Where Ryan Staub fits into Tennessee QB competition
It’s obvious why UT coaches thought Staub would be a positive addition to the quarterback group, especially after they failed to land a premier transfer like Sam Leavitt (who went to LSU) and Brendan Sorsby (who went to Texas Tech).
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Staub is a good teammate and leader. He’s an experienced player compared to MacIntyre and Brandon because he’s played 12 games with two starts. He’s smart. He works hard. He’s eager to learn. He has skills as a runner and passer, although he hasn’t played well consistently.
Plus, Staub has been a reserve quarterback, so he has realistic expectations about winning the starting job.
That sounds like the perfect description of a backup quarterback, which highlights the pros and cons of Staub’s traits in relation to this competition.
Staub is probably a solid candidate for the QB2 job. But it appears that MacIntyre and Brandon would have to lose the QB1 competition for Staub to win it.
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That being said, coach Josh Heupel said he won’t name a starter in spring practice. And Staub plans to stay in the race.
“I’m still learning this offense just like (MacIntyre and Brandon) are,” Staub said. “I’m trying to grow and learn every day and be the best version that I can be of myself. Obviously, if I can help the room, if I can help the guys, that’s great.
“But I am here to compete. I’m here to be the best quarterback that I can be.”
How Ryan Staub played at Colorado in limited time
In three seasons at Colorado, Staub completed 30 of 55 passes for 427 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions. He also rushed for one TD.
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Staub’s play has shown limitations, but UT coaches recognize his value.
“(Staub) has a really good feel for the game. He’s a highly intelligent kid. You can put the offense on him and let him go,” offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Joey Halzle said. “He does a great job using his mind, using his quick twitch ability to get the ball out with timing. So he’s a guy that we feel very comfortable with.”
Staub is a self-described competitor, but he’s not eager to rock the boat. When asked to comment on MacIntyre and Brandon, he jumped at the opportunity.
“George is a great leader. He has all the intangibles. He’s tall. He’s got a strong arm. He’s very accurate. He’s decisive, quick, competitive, a great guy to learn from,” Staub said. “Faizon is just, wow, kind of a freak of nature. He’s impressive. He’s got raw ability, raw arm strength. And he’s smart. He’s learning this offense, and it’s not easy.”
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That sounds like a very supportive teammate, perhaps a backup quarterback. But Staub will push for playing time against his blue-chip competitors. Either way, the Vols think he’s a good addition at a pivotal position.
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Ryan Staub impressed Deion Sanders, now competing for Tennessee QB job
