Josh Heupel deserves credit for something Tennessee has done well that Ohio State and others have struggled with
The Vols have managed to keep their offense afloat and productive despite youth and injury at the game’s most important position.
The 2026 college football season has seen a number of injuries to the quarterback position potentially derail seasons.
Ohio State losing Julian Sayin has been devastating and was no small reason the Buckeyes fell off and likely out of the playoff. Oregon had Dylan Raiola take over for Dante Moore and he struggled some (vs. UCLA) despite some solid outings (vs. USC and Ohio State).
Conversely, some teams have had backup options prepared and able to continue to move their offense after their starters went down. UCLA hasn’t missed a beat since the loss of Nico Iamaleava to a season-ending knee injury.
And Tennessee has managed to keep rolling despite opening-day starter Faizon Brandon going down against Texas. George MacIntyre came in and did what he was asked to help Tennessee keep winning and stay firmly in the College Football Playoff picture.
And on Saturday, when MacIntyre got banged up, Brandon came in and helped deliver a spark to a struggling offense. The Vols went on two scoring drives with Brandon at the helm and rallied from a 7-6 second half deficit to win at Texas A&M 22-7.
Tennessee has managed the quarterback position well and prepared two quarterbacks to move the offense
Neither quarterback has been asked to do too much, which in a way can separate Tennessee from other programs. The Vols have an elite ground game and defense. Josh Heupel deserves credit for what he’s done with adapting to his team’s strengths and preparing his quarterbacks to run the offense as it is set up.
Heupel mentioned during the postgame interview on Saturday that Brandon did all the small things at a high level, and with a young quarterback, that’s never a given.
Brandon and MacIntyre both have their strengths and weaknesses. Both bring different things to the table. But both can help you win ballgames, and we’ve seen them exhibit their different skillsets and help Tennessee win some crucial games. And the Vols are in position for the College Football Playoff — and maybe a trip to Atlanta for the SEC Championship Game — with just two weeks to go.
Doing that with two quarterbacks is commendable. Doing it with two inexperienced freshman is even more so. And Heupel and quarterbacks coach Joey Halzle deserve their flowers for having this offense and these quarterbacks where they are.
