One of the biggest questions hanging over Tennessee this offseason centers on the quarterback position. Josh Heupel will eventually have to name a starter for the Vols’ Week 1 matchup against the Furman Paladins, and the decision could shape the program’s future. With three quarterbacks (George MacIntyre, Faizon Brandon, and Ryan Staub) capable of leading the offense and spring practice beginning today, the competition is officially underway.
To go a step further, Josh Heupel said to the media today that the Vols do, in fact, have an open competition in the quarterback room, which many expected. Plus, he also mentioned not to expect a starter to be named during spring practice.
Josh Heupel says it’s an open competition in the quarterback room and to not expect a starter to be named during spring practice. pic.twitter.com/cn5Q7e24tK
— Paige Dauer (@PaigeDauerFDP) March 16, 2026
Is this a surprise? Absolutely not. But the months of speculation can finally begin to settle, and for now, fans will just have to rely on the eye test and make their predictions based on what they see on the field. Also, there is so much time from the end of spring until week one, so a lot can happen. The spring game will be a great measuring tool to see who looks better and has more control of the offense.
What QB has the lead right now
In the meantime, fans will just have to speculate and make educated guesses based on what they see and hear. Josh Heupel didn’t rule out the possibility of a quarterback emerging as the leader by the end of spring, but it likely doesn’t make much sense to fully name a starter when there are still six months until Week 1.
For now, not that it means much, but I would give the edge to George MacIntyre. The script can completely flip on this in a couple of weeks, but he has a lot of arm talent and boasts solid athleticism. Not to mention, he has an extra year learning and practicing in the Heupel system. I do think Faizon Brandon will make a very strong case, and I view Staub more as a dark horse candidate as of now.
When the dust finally settles, it may take a while before the starting quarterback is officially known, but there’s reason to trust that Josh Heupel will make the right call when the time comes.