5-star QB Faizon Brandon signs with Vols and immediately gives back to East Tennessee kids for Christmas

One of the newest Vols is making a tremendous impression quickly with a terrific gesture.

Craig Smith — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Via X @CoachJoshHeupel

The Tennessee Vols got their quarterback of the future on Wednesday, as five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon out of Greensboro, North Carolina signed with the Big Orange.

Brandon was listed as the No. 9 overall player, No. 4 quarterback, and No. 1 player in the state of North Carolina for the 2026 cycle. He is one of two five-star recruits to sign with Tennessee, along with wide receiver Tristen Keys.

Naturally, Tennessee fans are giddy at the thought of what he can do in Josh Heupel’s offense. But Brandon wasted little time in vaulting up in Vol fans’ high esteem.

Faizon Brandon announces on Twitter (X) that he is delivering toys donated by fans to patients at the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital

“For the next 12 days I’m teaming up with YOU to bring joy to kids at the East Tennessee Childrens Hospital,” Brandon wrote. “You can donate a toy by the Amazon link in my bio & I’ll deliver every single one in person to patients in need of some holiday cheer! Lets make a difference together! #GBO“

There are very, very few things in the world worse than sick or hurt children, and working with fans to help lift their spirits at the holiday season is about as noble and worthy of a cause as it gets. College football has the best tradition in all of sports in my opinion – the Iowa Hawkeyes’ wave to the children at the next-door UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital at the end of the first quarter.

While college football is becoming more of a business and a money-oriented and cutthroat sport, it’s nice for public reminders from time to time that some players give back and have an impact on their communities. We’ve seen it with Bru McCoy and other current and former Vols. And Brandon’s decision to use his platform and influence to help children in need is a terrific sign of high character that will not be lost on Tennessee fans.

It certainly is a heck of a way for him to get his time in Knoxville started.

Related Articles