After a few years of distance from the University of Tennessee, former quarterback Jarrett Guarantano is back in the spotlight, reflecting on his past and embracing a renewed connection with the program that helped shape his college football journey. Following his departure from Tennessee in 2020, Guarantano has undergone a period of growth, both on and off the field, and is now “thankful” for his reunion with the Vols. This marks a new chapter in his relationship with the Tennessee football community, one that has seen highs, lows, and everything in between.
Jarrett Guarantano’s tenure as Tennessee’s starting quarterback was anything but ordinary. A highly touted recruit out of Washington Township, New Jersey, Guarantano came to Knoxville in 2016 with high expectations. Over the next several seasons, he served as Tennessee’s primary quarterback, starting in 29 games and amassing a career total of 6,174 passing yards and 38 touchdowns. However, despite flashes of brilliance, his time as the Vols’ signal-caller was often marred by inconsistency and struggles with turnovers, which led to a polarized fan base.
Guarantano faced a difficult balance during his tenure. He arrived during a period of significant transition within Tennessee football, with coaching changes, system shifts, and high-pressure expectations following years of mediocrity for the program. Under head coaches Butch Jones and Jeremy Pruitt, Guarantano displayed leadership and moments of great promise, including a 6-6 season in 2019 where he threw for over 2,000 yards. However, injuries, a lack of offensive cohesion, and coaching instability made his time with the Vols challenging, both personally and professionally.
Despite the struggles, Guarantano remained a steady presence in the locker room and led the Vols through difficult seasons. By 2020, as his tenure at Tennessee drew to a close, he announced he would leave the program, finishing his time as a Vol with a mixed legacy. Yet, Guarantano’s decision to move on from Tennessee wasn’t marked by bitterness but by a desire for a fresh start, both in football and in life.
After departing Tennessee, Guarantano went on to continue his football career, transferring to the University of Washington. However, things didn’t go as planned, and Guarantano spent some time away from the game, reflecting on what had been a turbulent few years. Away from the limelight and the pressures of being the Vols’ starting quarterback, Guarantano found himself in a different headspace. He took time to focus on his mental and emotional well-being, away from the scrutiny that had often defined his career.
Through his time away, Guarantano grew as an individual, gaining a fresh perspective on his football career and life beyond the field. During this period, he also rekindled his connection with his alma mater. Although the Vols were no longer his team, the pride he felt for Tennessee and the love he had for the fan base never wavered. This connection was ultimately key to his decision to return and contribute to the program in new ways.
Guarantano’s return to Tennessee was marked by both humility and gratitude. When reflecting on his reunion with the Vols, he is quick to express how thankful he is for the opportunity to reconnect with the program. After years of absence, he’s had the chance to come back to Knoxville, meet with former teammates, and establish new relationships with the current players and coaching staff. Guarantano has been vocal about how the experience has helped him grow, offering him the opportunity to share his story with the next generation of Tennessee quarterbacks.
For Guarantano, this reunion is not about seeking redemption or erasing his past challenges. Instead, it’s about appreciating the journey he’s taken, the lessons he’s learned, and the people who have supported him along the way. As the Vols continue their resurgence under head coach Josh Heupel, Guarantano’s return is symbolic of a broader cultural shift at Tennessee—a shift toward embracing the past while looking forward to the future.
Guarantano’s involvement with the Vols’ program isn’t limited to simply revisiting old memories. He has actively contributed to the current team, particularly with the quarterbacks, offering mentorship and guidance. With the arrival of Heupel and his up-tempo offense, Tennessee football is in a new era—one where quarterbacks like Hendon Hooker have flourished. Guarantano has expressed his admiration for the current coaching staff and the direction the program is heading. His experiences and insights have proven to be valuable for players navigating the same pressures and challenges he once faced.
Moreover, Guarantano’s return provides a unique opportunity for current Tennessee quarterbacks to learn from someone who has experienced both the highs and lows of SEC football. His leadership, even after his playing days ended, continues to have an impact on the team, especially when it comes to resilience, perseverance, and the mental fortitude required to succeed in such a high-pressure environment.
Looking ahead, Guarantano has no clear desire to return to playing football at the professional level. Instead, his focus remains on his new role within the Tennessee football program and his ability to positively influence the next generation of quarterbacks. His journey through Tennessee football, marked by ups and downs, has equipped him with valuable knowledge that he is eager to pass on. Through mentorship, reflection, and a renewed connection with the Vols, Jarrett Guarantano is embracing this new chapter of his career.
Tennessee fans, who once held mixed feelings toward their former quarterback, are now starting to view his return as a testament to personal growth and the power of reconciliation. Jarrett Guarantano’s reunion with the Vols might not change the past, but it shows how the lessons learned from both success and adversity can shape the future—both for him and for the program.