We understand that coming up with updated rankings is never going to be an easy process. However, the disrespect for Tennessee football quarterback commit Faizon Brandon is real. On Monday, Rivals came out with its updated list for the 2026 class and we can't say we agree with how things went down.
Previously, Brandon, a longtime Vols pledge, was ranked as a 5-star signal-caller and the No. 2 prospect nationally. However, Rivals no longer see things that way, as he's now a 4-star quarterback and on the outside looking in for the Top 25. What in the world led to this change?
NEWS: Tennessee QB commit Faizon Brandon was dropped to a 4 ⭐️ and is now ranked out of the Top 30 recruits in the 2026 class, per the initial @Rivals recruiting rankings
— Vol Scoops (@VolScoops) July 14, 2025
Vol WR target Tristen Keys was also dropped to a 4 ⭐️ in the new rankings
Interesting to say the least 🤷🏻♂️ pic.twitter.com/ZQWDChaAzU
Tennessee QB commit Faizon Brandon lost his 5th star in the new Rivals rankings
With Brandon now the No. 33 player overall in the country, it means that he has fallen more than 30 spots. Again, we just don't understand why this has happened. Brandon has consistently performed well at showcases/camps and he's no question one of the top QBs out there.
He's widely considered a generational talent and Tennessee fans can't wait for him to graduate high school and make his way to Knoxville in 2026. Depending on how things shake out over the next year or so, we could see him take over as QB1 as a true freshman.
According to 247Sports, Brandon is the No. 1 overall recruit in the country for the 2026 class and a 5-star prospect. Hey, we're going to go ahead and call 247Sports brilliant. As for Rivals, come on! In all seriousness, it's a bit of a bummer that Brandon saw such a dip in the latest update.
That's not going to impact him moving forward, though. The big-time talent will be ready to put on a show during his senior season and then he'll be making the move to UT. Brandon is also working overtime to help the Vols try to flip LSU commit Tristen Keys. Interestingly enough, Keys also lost his 5th star on Monday, which was something no one saw coming.