A couple of reports this month have suggested that true freshman Faizon Brandon has the edge over redshirt freshman George MacIntyre in the Tennessee Vols’ quarterback battle as we enter the summer months.

VolQuest’s Austin Price, however, noted last week that nothing has actually been decided in Tennessee’s starting quarterback competition, so it’s still very possible that MacIntyre could win the job.

“I think, (for MacIntyre) it’s just about getting the ball out on time, making good throws, and making good decisions,” said Price. “Don’t put the ball in harm’s way, but ultimately getting the ball out (on time).

“(MacIntyre) probably took a few too many sacks in the spring, and part of that’s not on him, but part of it probably was. If he gets the ball out on time (in fall camp), and shows he can run the offense efficiently, and does all of that, then I think he can still potentially win Tennessee’s quarterback job. I don’t think it’s done that it’s Faizon Brandon.”

Sports Illustrated predicts who Tennessee’s starting quarterback will be in 2026

Sports Illustrated predicted this week who each SEC program’s starting quarterback will be in 2026.

And they believe that Brandon will ultimately win the job over MacIntyre, though the confidence in that prediction is “low”.

“A true freshman and the No. 3 ranked quarterback in the 2026 class, Brandon has tons of untapped potential. It will be up to Heupel to unlock it,” wrote Sports Illustrated’s Zach Koons, who also described the competition as “the most compelling quarterback battle in the conference.”

A first look at Vols QB Faizon Brandon! pic.twitter.com/WqjqNbItjY

— Paige Dauer (@PaigeDauerFDP) March 16, 2026

I still think it would be wise for the Vols to play both quarterbacks in the season-opener against Furman, regardless of what happens during fall camp.

Vols head coach Josh Heupel, however, has been opposed to playing two quarterbacks in the past.