Tennessee's QB Battle Remains Wide Open in Spring Practice

ESPN analyst Greg McElroy breaks down the three-way competition for the Vols' starting QB job.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:08am

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According to ESPN analyst Greg McElroy, Tennessee's quarterback competition this spring remains wide open between redshirt freshman George MacIntyre, five-star true freshman Faizon Brandon, and redshirt junior Colorado transfer Ryan Staub. While MacIntyre has taken the early first-team reps, the highly touted Brandon is already turning heads and could be the 'wild card' that shakes up the battle.

Why it matters

Tennessee's quarterback position is a key question mark heading into the 2026 season, as the Volunteers look to build on their success under head coach Josh Heupel. The outcome of this three-way competition could have major implications for the team's offensive identity and championship aspirations.

The details

In the early part of spring practice, the rep order has had MacIntyre working with the first-team offense, followed by Brandon and then Staub. However, McElroy notes that the five-star freshman Brandon has already impressed with his live arm and college-ready physique, making him a potential game-changer in the race. Heupel is in no rush to name a starter, suggesting the competition could extend into the start of the 2026 regular season.

  • Tennessee began spring practice in early April 2026.
  • The Volunteers held their first spring scrimmage last week.
  • Tennessee is expected to hold its annual spring game in the coming weeks.

The players

Josh Heupel

The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers football team.

George MacIntyre

A redshirt freshman quarterback competing for the starting job at Tennessee.

Faizon Brandon

A five-star true freshman quarterback and top-10 overall recruit who is part of the three-way competition at Tennessee.

Ryan Staub

A redshirt junior quarterback and Colorado transfer who is also vying for the starting job at Tennessee.

Greg McElroy

A former Alabama quarterback who is now an ESPN and SEC Network analyst.

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What they’re saying

“If you're a college football fan and loves a good quarterback mystery, then Tennessee is probably the program you want to be watching this Spring. Because we're talking about a three-man race with not a lot of clarity. … The big question is who's going to be the quarterback in 2026.”

— Greg McElroy, ESPN and SEC Network Analyst

“Faizon Brandon is kind of the wild card that could change everything for this quarterback competition. He was one of the top players in the recruiting class last year. He's got a live arm, he's got a college-ready body, he looks physically mature.”

— Greg McElroy, ESPN and SEC Network Analyst

What’s next

The Tennessee quarterback competition is expected to continue throughout the remainder of spring practice and could extend into the start of the 2026 regular season as head coach Josh Heupel evaluates all three candidates.

The takeaway

Tennessee's quarterback battle is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2026 college football offseason. With a talented trio of candidates vying for the starting job, the Volunteers' offensive identity and championship aspirations could hinge on who emerges as the clear leader under center.