Former Alabama QB Weighs In on Tennessee's QB Battle

Greg McElroy shares his thoughts on the three-way competition to be the Vols' starting QB in 2026.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:13pm

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Former Alabama quarterback and current media pundit Greg McElroy shared his assessment of Tennessee's quarterback competition this spring. McElroy believes George MacIntyre is the frontrunner at the moment, but he doesn't count out five-star freshman Faizon Brandon potentially winning the job by the time the season starts.

Why it matters

Tennessee's quarterback battle is one of the most closely watched storylines in college football this offseason, as the Vols look to replace departed starter Joe Milton. The outcome of this competition could have major implications for the team's success in 2026.

The details

Tennessee held its first spring scrimmage recently, and head coach Josh Heupel said the quarterback job will not be decided until fall camp. In practice so far, MacIntyre has been taking the first-team reps, followed by Brandon and Colorado transfer Ryan Staub. Heupel praised MacIntyre's progress from last season, while also acknowledging Brandon's immense talent and potential to win the job.

  • Tennessee will hold its annual Orange & White spring game on April 11, 2026.
  • The quarterback competition is expected to extend into fall camp before a starter is named.

The players

George MacIntyre

A young quarterback who has been taking the first-team reps in Tennessee's spring practices so far.

Faizon Brandon

A five-star freshman quarterback who could challenge MacIntyre for the starting job.

Ryan Staub

A quarterback transfer from Colorado who is also competing for the starting role.

Josh Heupel

The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers, who is overseeing the quarterback competition.

Greg McElroy

A former Alabama quarterback who is now a media pundit and analyst.

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What they’re saying

“The big question is who is going to be the quarterback in '26? Right now, the candidates are George MacIntyre, who has been around for a year, you have a five-star true freshman in Faizon Brandon and then you have the Colorado transfer, Ryan Staub.”

— Greg McElroy, Former Alabama QB, Media Pundit

“Tennessee held their first scrimmage just a few days ago, and afterward, Josh Heupel went and met with the media and the most honest thing he says, 'Don't expect a guy to be named here during the course of spring ball.' Well, of course. No way he's going to do that.”

— Greg McElroy, Former Alabama QB, Media Pundit

“Here's where it gets a little interesting. Now, the rep order in practice is maybe telling us something even if Coach Heupel is not willing to. In the first practices, it was MacIntyre first, then Brandon second, then Staub third. That's kind of significant.”

— Greg McElroy, Former Alabama QB, Media Pundit

“I think if the season started today, I'd be surprised if it wasn't MacIntyre. I think he'd be the guy if it started today. But I would not be surprised if Faizon Brandon ends up maybe winning this job by the time the game rolls around. The kid is just that talented.”

— Greg McElroy, Former Alabama QB, Media Pundit

What’s next

The Tennessee quarterback battle will continue through the remainder of spring practice and into fall camp, with a starter likely not being named until just before the season opener.

The takeaway

Tennessee's quarterback competition is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines in college football this offseason. While George MacIntyre may have the early edge, the immense talent of five-star freshman Faizon Brandon makes this a true toss-up that could go down to the wire.