ESPN analyst seems to have picked who will prevail in Tennessee’s QB battle, and a big year could be coming for the winner
The Vols’ QB battle continues in fall camp.
Fall camp is in full swing in Knoxville, and the Tennessee Vols’ quarterback battle is back on the center stage for Josh Heupel and his coaching staff.
Fans are looking for any telltale signs of how that battle is going, and there have been a few comments slipping out here and there about the contest. For example, freshman WR TK Keys talked recently about how Faizon Brandon’s ball speed has hit another couple of gears since spring football.
But is that improvement enough to beat out George MacIntyre? Certainly not. That said, ESPN recruiting analyst and writer Billy Tucker seems to think Brandon will prevail in this battle. He didn’t come out and say it directly — and he said Brandon will have to win the battle — but he did list Brandon as the No. 2 freshman poised to make an impact in the SEC for 2026 in his most recent article, noting his “ceiling is significantly higher” and that he could “unlock another gear for Tennessee”.
ESPN writer lists Tennessee QB Faizon Brandon as No. 2 most impactful freshman in the SEC
“Brandon, the No. 14 prospect and third-ranked pocket passer in 2026, must first beat out redshirt freshman George MacIntyre for Tennessee’s starting job, but his ceiling is significantly higher,” Tucker wrote. “His natural arm strength is a great fit for Josh Heupel’s vertical offense and could unlock another gear for Tennessee.”
The vibe coming out of spring was that Brandon was in the lead in the competition. And it certainly does feel as though Brandon’s ceiling is in the clouds, particularly as he continues to work with strength and conditioning coach Derek Owings to strengthen an already impressive frame.
We’ll find out in the coming days and weeks who ultimately wins the job. With the weapons that both QBs have to work with — RB DeSean Bishop behind him, WRs Mike Matthews, Braylon Staley, and TK Keys out wide, and TE Ethan Davis in the middle — the winner of this contest should be in position to be successful this fall.
But it’s hard not to look forward to what Brandon can bring at the position when he hits his peak.
