'He's further along developmentally than Hooker was [at same age]' – Comment from ESPN should get Vols fans excited for the future
The first four seasons of the Josh Heupel era have been quite fruitful for the Tennessee Vols, but the best could still be yet to come. That's in part because Tennessee has a stud quarterback on the way in 2026 five-star Vols commit Faizon Brandon. Brandon, 6-foot-4/200 lbs from Greensboro, NC, is rated by 247Sports […]
The first four seasons of the Josh Heupel era have been quite fruitful for the Tennessee Vols, but the best could still be yet to come.
That's in part because Tennessee has a stud quarterback on the way in 2026 five-star Vols commit Faizon Brandon.
Brandon, 6-foot-4/200 lbs from Greensboro, NC, is rated by 247Sports as the No. 1 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class.
ESPN's Tom Luginbill suggested this week that Brandon is further along in his development than former Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker was at the same age (Brandon and Hooker are both from Greensboro).
"There's a clear trend emerging in Knoxville when it comes to quarterback traits in terms of stature, athleticism and arm strength," wrote Luginbill. "Brandon checks all three boxes. He's very similar to former Vols standout Hendon Hooker and is further along developmentally than Hooker was at Brandon's age. Though not quite as polished as Nico Iamaleava coming out of high school, Brandon throws a great deep ball, which Tennessee coach Josh Heupel requires from all his quarterbacks."
Hooker, who is entering his third NFL season with the Detroit Lions, started his college career at Virginia Tech before transferring to Tennessee for his final two seasons of eligibility.
It wasn't until his first season with the Vols that Hooker developed into a star. Hooker passed for 2,945 yards, 31 touchdowns and just three interceptions (while rushing for 616 yards and five touchdowns) in his first season at Tennessee. (Hooker passed for 2,894 yards and 22 touchdowns in 25 career games at Virginia Tech.)
Hooker is the best quarterback that Heupel's had so far on Rocky Top. But that may not be the case for long once Brandon gets to Tennessee in 2026.
Brandon is the type of talent that could start as a true freshman in the SEC. But even if he doesn't, the fact that Heupel will get him straight out of high school could lead to the North Carolina native becoming the best quarterback at Tennessee since Peyton Manning was in town.
