Vols name Greensboro native starting QB

Five star quarterback recruit Faizon Brandon lived up to the hype, at least in the eyes of Tennessee coach Josh Heupel and the offensive staff in Knoxville.

The Greensboro, North Carolina standout was named the Vols’ staring quarterback for the 2026 season over fellow freshman George MacIntyre. Brandon committed to UT in 2024 and battled for the spot after former quarterback Joey Aguilar was denied a 6th year of eligibility by the NCAA.

Brandon becomes the first true freshman to start at quarterback for the Vols’ season opener since 2004.

(IMAGE: Property of University of Tennessee Knoxville Athletics)