When the Vols take the field in Week 1 at Neyland Stadium, the quarterback situation will be the biggest storyline for fans to watch, as it's been the talk all offseason. Tennessee is in a tight battle between two freshmen. Five-star Faizon Brandon has likely taken the lead based on reports following spring practice, but redshirt freshman George MacIntyre is still competing and could potentially flip the script. Josh Heupel has to get this move right, or else the confidence in him from Vols fans will slowly slip away.
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Even though the battle is far from over, Brandon has been preparing like he expects to be the guy on Day 1, which is something you love to see. You need a quarterback with swagger and confidence who is willing to go out there and prepare like the job is his. Tennessee fans have to love the confidence displayed by a freshman.
On3's Brent Hubbs, a reporter on Volquest, joined 99.1 and had some big news about the quarterback battle. He said:
"(Faizon Brandon) is preparing everyday to be a starter b/c he thinks he can really win this job. And George (MacIntyre) has to look at it as 'I didn't run away with it in the spring.'"
"(Faizon Brandon) is preparing everyday to be a starter b/c he thinks he can really win this job. And George (MacIntyre) has to look at it as 'I didn't run away with it in the spring.'"@Brent_Hubbs joined @VinceSports & @JimmyHyams to talk @Vol_Football.https://t.co/SSyYFs3Za9 pic.twitter.com/IblBG2fTFq
— 99.1 THE Sports Animal (@SportsAnimal991) July 7, 2026
Faizon Brandon is preparing for the job like its his
Hubbs’ report doesn’t surprise anyone, as the buzz for a while has been that Brandon is likely going to be the guy. MacIntyre had an extra year to learn the playbook and develop while Brandon was still in high school, but he never really separated himself.
Not to mention, Brandon has a certain swagger about him. He lost only one game in high school and was an overall winner. That’s not something you can teach in the film room, as it comes naturally, and Brandon has that trait. Having a poised signal-caller with confidence can be the difference between being good and being great. While Brandon would likely have some growing pains adjusting to the SEC if he wins the job, he has all the tools you could want in a quarterback.
While he is still working on his touch and accuracy, Brandon has a rocket for an arm and can make all the throws. He is a very smart quarterback who goes through his progressions and makes the right decisions, whether that means taking off and running or conceding the down by throwing the ball away. He is also a good athlete who can move around the pocket and make plays with his legs.
While Brandon didn’t look amazing during the spring game, he missed most of his freshman year with a hand injury, and it was his first live action in front of a crowd against Division I talent. Once he builds more confidence in the playbook and the offensive line improves, he should look much better.
With Brandon preparing like he is the starter, it shows the confidence that he is ready to take on the job, which is rare for an 18-year-old. Tennessee fans should be excited because he could be the next great quarterback to play in Knoxville.
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