Tennessee Football HC Josh Heupel Discusses First Spring Practice

Heupel addresses quarterback competition and other key topics as Vols open spring ball.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 4:58am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tennessee football head coach Josh Heupel spoke to the media following the team's first spring practice of 2026. Heupel discussed the open quarterback competition, with four players - George MacIntyre, Faizon Brandon, Ryan Staub, and Mason Phillips - rotating reps. The coach made it clear that a starter will not be named anytime soon, as the competition will be extensive throughout the spring. Heupel also reflected on the passing of Wes Rucker, a respected local media member.

Why it matters

The quarterback competition is a major storyline for the Volunteers this offseason, as they look to replace last year's starter. Heupel's comments indicate the coaching staff is taking a measured approach, wanting to thoroughly evaluate all four candidates before making a decision. This open competition will be closely watched by Tennessee fans eager to see who emerges as the team's QB1 for the 2026 season.

The details

During the post-practice press conference, Heupel said the four quarterbacks - George MacIntyre, Faizon Brandon, Ryan Staub, and Mason Phillips - rotated reps evenly throughout the first spring practice. The coach emphasized that the competition will be extensive and lengthy, with no plans to name a starter anytime soon. Heupel praised the poise and focus of the four signal-callers, noting they understand the wide-open nature of the race.

  • The first spring practice of 2026 took place on March 16, 2026.

The players

Josh Heupel

The head football coach of the University of Tennessee Volunteers.

George MacIntyre

One of the four quarterbacks competing for the starting job at Tennessee.

Faizon Brandon

One of the four quarterbacks competing for the starting job at Tennessee.

Ryan Staub

One of the four quarterbacks competing for the starting job at Tennessee.

Mason Phillips

One of the four quarterbacks competing for the starting job at Tennessee.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This will be the hottest topic throughout the spring. Who is going to earn the title of QB1”

— Dale Dowden, Sports journalist (Twitter)

What’s next

The quarterback competition will continue throughout Tennessee's spring practice sessions, with Heupel and the coaching staff closely evaluating the four candidates. A starter is not expected to be named anytime soon, as the Volunteers want to take a thorough approach to the decision.

The takeaway

The open quarterback competition at Tennessee is a key storyline this offseason, as the Volunteers look to replace their previous starter. Coach Heupel's measured approach, allowing all four candidates to compete extensively, signals the coaching staff's desire to make the right decision for the team's long-term success.