Tennessee Projected to Start Veteran QB Over $1.2M Recruit

Touted freshman Faizon Brandon faces uphill battle to win Vols' QB1 job

Feb. 26, 2026 at 3:48pm

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Tennessee is expected to start veteran quarterback George MacIntyre over highly touted freshman Faizon Brandon in the Vols' season opener against Furman. Brandon, a five-star recruit valued at $1.2 million in NIL deals, was a key part of Tennessee's top-15 recruiting class, but MacIntyre's experience in the system gives him the edge heading into the 2026 season.

Why it matters

Tennessee's quarterback battle is a high-profile storyline in the college football offseason, as the Vols look to replace outgoing starter Joey Aguilar. The decision on whether to go with the more experienced MacIntyre or the highly touted Brandon will have major implications for Tennessee's offense and championship aspirations in the SEC.

The details

MacIntyre, who has only 9 career pass attempts, is projected to beat out Brandon for the starting job due to his familiarity with Tennessee's offense. While Brandon was a five-star recruit and is valued at $1.2 million in NIL deals, his lack of experience in the system is seen as the deciding factor. Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel praised Brandon's ability to help recruit other top talent to the Vols' 2026 class.

  • Tennessee opens the 2026 season against Furman on September 2.

The players

George MacIntyre

Tennessee's returning quarterback who is expected to win the starting job over highly touted freshman Faizon Brandon.

Faizon Brandon

A five-star quarterback recruit who was a key part of Tennessee's top-15 recruiting class, but is projected to lose the starting job to the more experienced MacIntyre.

Josh Heupel

The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers, who praised Brandon's ability to help recruit other top talent to the Vols' 2026 class.

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What they’re saying

“Anytime you're able to get a quarterback at that level and made of the right things, he's able to develop relationships with guys and attract them. He was able to do that in this recruiting class on both sides of the football.”

— Josh Heupel, Tennessee Head Coach

What’s next

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The takeaway

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