Tennessee’s biggest roster move this offseason was one they didn’t make.

The Vols checked out some transfer quarterbacks — they made a strong run at Arizona State transfer Sam Leavitt (who ended up at LSU) — but Tennessee never found an option they liked better than the two young quarterbacks on the roster: true freshman Faizon Brandon and redshirt freshman George MacIntyre.

Josh Heupel recently named Brandon, who just turned 18 in June, as the Vols’ starting quarterback for the season opener against Furman.

If Brandon (or MacIntyre, depending on how the season shakes out) struggles, there will be a lot of talk about whether Heupel should’ve gone harder after an experienced transfer option.

Former Tennessee offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe makes it clear how he feels about Josh Heupel going with a young quarterback in 2026

Former Tennessee offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe, perhaps the most beloved assistant coach in Vols history, joined The George Plaster Show this week and shared some thoughts on Heupel going with youth at the quarterback position.

Cutcliffe, who noted that he hasn’t talked to Heupel about the quarterbacks because of his close relationship with the MacIntyre family, thinks it’s the right move to go with a young quarterback.

“There’s no question — I would take the young guy,” said Cutcliffe. “I’m a huge believer in development. That period of time is just an awesome time for the youngster, and also for the coach. I have purposely not talked to Coach Heupel about all of this because I have a relationship with the MacIntyre family, and I didn’t want to get near any of that. And you never know (who will play well on Saturdays) until you know — it’s not over.

“But I think this is the way to go. This is an opportunity to grow a player where you’re not having to unteach so many things. You get to teach so many things. I went around to all of these SEC schools and watched multiple practices for four years, and it was interesting some of the things that I didn’t see being taught.”

“Knowing Coach Heupel, and I’m a huge fan,” continued Cutcliffe. “I coached against him when he was a player. We beat them when he was the quarterback at Oklahoma, when I was at Ole Miss, in the Independence Bowl. He’s living now what he lived then. They came out of that game (the Independence Bowl) and didn’t lose again. They won a national championship (the next year). He’s taken that same journey (as a college quarterback), and I’m happy that they’ve got quarterbacks that they are developing.

“I don’t want to point fingers at anybody that takes a veteran. I’m not saying that. … I just like that relationship of developing. There’s nothing like coaching a quarterback if you’re a quarterback guy. And having a young one that’s so open and eager and anxious to learn is awesome. And if they have talent, whoa, you’re getting ready to have a little fun.”

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First off, every time I hear David Cutcliffe talk, I get a little smarter when it comes to football (and life, to be honest). That man is full of wisdom. It’s easy to see why he was so successful as a college football coach, and why the Manning family trusts him so much.

Secondly, the integrity he showed by keeping his distance from the quarterback conversation with Heupel because of his relationship with George MacIntyre’s family is commendable. A lot of people in sports (at all levels) could learn a lesson there.

But as far as Tennessee’s current situation goes, I completely agree with Cutcliffe. Development is lacking in college football. It’s all about teaching a system so you can win now over teaching a quarterback how to actually play the position. If you develop a player the right way, the wins will come. That’s why I think fans need to be patient and let Brandon (or MacIntyre, again, depending on how it all shakes out) go through some growing pains this season. He’ll be a better player long-term at Tennessee because of those growing pains. After all, most of the best lessons come from making mistakes.