Tennessee football signed four-star quarterback Jake Merklinger from Calvary Day School in Savannah, Georgia, to its 2024 recruiting class on Wednesday morning. Merklinger chose Tennessee over Georgia, Michigan State, and North Carolina as his final four schools on March 30.

Merklinger, who received a scholarship offer from the Vols in May 2022 and has been one of their top quarterback targets for months, is ranked the No. 129 overall prospect, No. 10 quarterback in the 2024 class, and No. 18 senior from Georgia by the industry-generated 247Sports Composite. He’s also a four-star prospect according to 247Sports, where he’s ranked No. 221 overall and No. 13 quarterback in the 2024 class.

The 6-foot-3, 195-pound gunslinger returned to Tennessee in November to watch the Vols play top-ranked Georgia, his final game as a recruit at Neyland Stadium. He told GoVols247 recruiting analyst Ryan Callahan at the time that he appreciated travelling to Knoxville and was looking forward to starting his college career early by participating in some of UT’s on-campus bowl practices this month before enrolling in January.

“I’m super excited to get up here,” Merklinger remarked. “It was great to be back up here, see the crazy atmosphere, and just get back to Knoxville.” It was a difficult game. That is an excellent team. Speaking with the coaches, I have faith in them. I believe they will recover and we will be fine.”
Merklinger said he’s still enthused about Tennessee’s programme and the opportunity to play in the Vols’ fast-paced offence.