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Franklin Today
By the People, for the People
Tennessee Football's Quarterback Battle Heats Up
Three players vie for starting role after 2025 starter Joey Aguilar's eligibility denied
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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Tennessee football is set to have a three-man race for its starting quarterback job in 2026 after last year's starter, Joey Aguilar, was denied his request for a preliminary injunction to continue playing. The battle will be between George MacIntyre, Faizon Brandon, and Ryan Staub, each with their own strengths and weaknesses as they compete to lead the Vols' offense.
Why it matters
The outcome of Tennessee's quarterback battle will be crucial in determining the team's success in the 2026 season. With Aguilar's departure, the Vols need to find a new leader under center, and the competition between these three players will shape the direction of the program moving forward.
The details
George MacIntyre, a redshirt freshman, has limited in-game experience but was a highly-rated recruit out of high school. Faizon Brandon, a true freshman, is a 5-star prospect but missed part of his senior year with an injury. Ryan Staub, the third contender, has no college experience. The three will compete throughout spring practice to prove they can lead the Vols' offense.
- On February 21, 2026, Tennessee's former starting quarterback Joey Aguilar was denied his request for a preliminary injunction to continue playing.
- The three-man quarterback battle will begin when spring practice starts on March 16, 2026.
The players
George MacIntyre
A redshirt freshman quarterback who was a highly-rated 4-star recruit, ranked as the No. 12 QB and No. 100 overall player in the 2025 class.
Faizon Brandon
A true freshman quarterback who was a 5-star recruit, ranked as the No. 3 QB and No. 3 overall player in the 2026 class, but missed part of his senior year of high school with an injury.
Ryan Staub
A quarterback contender with no prior college experience.
What’s next
The three quarterbacks will compete throughout Tennessee's spring practice, with the starter likely to be named before the start of the 2026 season.
The takeaway
Tennessee's quarterback battle is wide open after the departure of Joey Aguilar, providing opportunities for young talents like George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon to step up and lead the Vols' offense. The competition will be fierce, but the outcome could significantly impact the team's fortunes in the 2026 season.
