Faizon Brandon named Tennessee starting quarterback

Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel has named true freshman Faizon Brandon as the starting quarterback for the 2026 season. Brandon, a five-star recruit from North Carolina, won the position after competing against sophomore George MacIntyre during the offseason. He is set to make his collegiate debut on September 5 against Furman.

Heupel cited Brandon’s command of the offense, including the run-pass option and drop-back plays, as well as his fundamentals and decision-making as key factors in the decision. Brandon becomes the first true freshman to start a season for Tennessee since Brent Schaeffer in 2004.

In nearby Nashville, Vanderbilt has also reached a decision regarding its starting quarterback. Senior Blaze Berlowitz has been named the starter for the season opener against Austin Peay on September 5, following a competition with five-star freshman Jared Curtis.