# Tennessee Volunteers quarterback competition

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tennessee-volunteers-quarterback-competition
> Updated: 2026-08-24T10:10:38.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

The Tennessee Volunteers entered the 2026 season facing an intense competition for the starting quarterback position following the graduation of Joey Aguilar. The contest primarily involved experienced sophomore George MacIntyre and highly-rated five-star freshman recruit Faizon Brandon.

Following camp performances where Brandon reportedly took an early lead, head coach Josh Heupel officially named the true freshman as the starting quarterback. Heupel attributed the decision to Brandon’s command of the offense, including the run-pass option and drop-back plays, as well as his fundamentals and decision-making. Brandon becomes the first true freshman to start a season for the Volunteers since 2004, with his debut scheduled for September 5 against Furman.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: Faizon Brandon named Tennessee starting quarterback

Tennessee has named true freshman Faizon Brandon as its starting quarterback for the 2026 season, while Vanderbilt has selected senior Blaze Berlowitz to lead the Commodores in their opener.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/faizon-brandon-named-tennessee-starting-quarterback

### 2026-08-20: Tennessee Volunteers quarterback competition intensifies

Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel nears a decision on starting quarterback, with freshman Faizon Brandon reportedly leading the competition against George MacIntyre.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tennessee-volunteers-quarterback-competition-intensifies

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Cite as: Tennessee Volunteers quarterback competition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tennessee-volunteers-quarterback-competition