Top College Football Prospect Battles for Starting QB Role at SEC School

Tennessee Volunteers prepare for new era on offense with arrival of 5-star recruit Faizon Brandon

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Tennessee Volunteers are preparing for a potential changing of the guard at quarterback, with five-star recruit Faizon Brandon expected to compete for the starting job. Brandon, the No. 3 overall prospect in the 2026 class, comes to Knoxville after a legendary high school career in North Carolina. The 6'4", 200-pound freshman will battle veteran Joey Aguilar, whose eligibility for a seventh season is currently being decided in court. If Aguilar is unable to return, Brandon will compete against redshirt freshman George MacIntyre for the starting role.

Why it matters

The Volunteers' quarterback competition is a key storyline heading into the 2026 season, as the program looks to build on its recent success under head coach Josh Heupel. Brandon's arrival has generated significant buzz, with analysts praising his physical tools and potential to thrive in Heupel's fast-paced offense. The outcome of the QB battle could have major implications for Tennessee's aspirations in the SEC.

The details

Faizon Brandon comes to Tennessee after a standout high school career in North Carolina, where he won two state championships and finished with a 35-1 record. Analysts have praised his combination of size, arm strength, and athleticism, with Bleacher Report's Brad Shepard calling him an "unmined gem" who could make an immediate impact. Brandon will compete with veteran Joey Aguilar, who is awaiting a legal decision on his eligibility for a seventh season. If Aguilar is unable to return, Brandon will battle redshirt freshman George MacIntyre for the starting job.

  • The Tennessee Volunteers' Orange & White spring game is scheduled for Saturday, April 11.
  • Faizon Brandon's eligibility to compete for the starting quarterback role will be determined by the outcome of Joey Aguilar's legal case.

The players

Faizon Brandon

A five-star quarterback recruit and the No. 3 overall prospect in the 2026 class, Brandon comes to Tennessee after a legendary high school career in North Carolina.

Joey Aguilar

The veteran Tennessee quarterback whose eligibility for a seventh season is currently being decided in the court system.

George MacIntyre

The redshirt freshman quarterback who will also compete for the starting job if Aguilar is unable to return.

Josh Heupel

The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers, known for building great offenses and developing young quarterbacks.

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What they’re saying

“Faizon Brandon touts one of the most complete physical skill sets of any quarterback in the 2026 cycle.”

— Charles Power, Rivals analyst (Rivals)

“Faizon Brandon is an unmined gem that could be worth a fortune right away for the Vols.”

— Brad Shepard, Bleacher Report analyst (Bleacher Report)

“If Joey Aguilar gets to come back to Rocky Top, he's going to be the man next year for Tennessee.”

— Brad Shepard, Bleacher Report analyst (Bleacher Report)

What’s next

The outcome of Joey Aguilar's legal case will determine whether Faizon Brandon or George MacIntyre will compete for the starting quarterback job at Tennessee.

The takeaway

The battle for Tennessee's starting quarterback role is a key storyline heading into the 2026 season, as the program looks to build on its recent success under Josh Heupel. The arrival of five-star recruit Faizon Brandon has generated significant buzz, but the Volunteers' plans could hinge on the legal decision regarding veteran Joey Aguilar's eligibility.