True freshman Faizon Brandon was named Tennessee’s starting quarterback.

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Among the most interesting quarterback competitions during 2026 fall camp resided in Knoxville, Tennessee, with the Volunteers in the Southeastern Conference. The battle included composite five-star recruit and former third-ranked quarterback Faizon Brandon, alongside returning sophomore George MacIntyre.

Josh Heupel is rolling with the five-star freshman to lead his squad’s offense to start the season. The keys to the Tennessee passing offense are now in the hands of Brandon.

Brandon was only behind Keisean Henderson of Houston and Jared Curtis of Vanderbilt in the national quarterback rankings. The Greensboro, North Carolina, product had all of the offers in the world, but opted to head to Knoxville. 

Brandon has obviously yet to throw a college pass, but he was very productive in high school. He logged 1,116 and 11 touchdowns in only six games. He suffered a thumb injury that kept him out for a good chunk of his senior season, but he still managed to be productive and lead Grimsley High School to a North Carolina Class 7A championship victory.

MacIntyre appeared in two games as a freshman for the Volunteers last season, logging 69 yards on seven completed passes. He’s a former four-star recruit, ranked 151st in composite rankings. 

Multiple reports out of Tennessee’s fall camp made this battle between Brandon and MacIntyre sound like a competitive one. MacIntyre had an advantage in terms of college experience, but Brandon’s downfield passing ability and athleticism gave him the edge. 

The Volunteers start their season Sept. 5 against Furman, giving Brandon the chance to show why he won the competitive quarterback competition.

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