Now that Faizon Brandon has been named Tennessee’s starting QB, there’s something important to note about George MacIntyre’s role in 2026
True freshman Faizon Brandon was named the Tennessee Vols’ starting quarterback on Monday morning.
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel told the team on Monday morning that true freshman Faizon Brandon has won the Vols’ starting quarterback battle.
Brandon, who beat out redshirt freshman George MacIntyre for the job, will start the season opener against Furman on September 5.
The former five-star recruit will be one of Tennessee’s youngest starting quarterbacks ever (Erik Ainge in 2004 was younger by just a few days).
George MacIntyre wasn’t bad in fall camp, Faizon Brandon was just that good
Heupel had a good problem on his hands during fall camp — both quarterbacks played well.
Brandon, however, made more plays and showed more upside.
But that shouldn’t diminish MacIntyre’s talent. He’s capable of being a starting quarterback in the SEC.
That’s why I think it’s important to note that there’s a clear gap between MacIntyre and Colorado transfer Ryan Staub.
Staub is the No. 3 quarterback and isn’t pushing MacIntyre for the backup role.
Landing Staub was an important move for the Vols this offseason because he’s the only quarterback on Tennessee’s roster with any starting experience (he started two games at Colorado), but he’s not a threat to leapfrog MacIntyre on the depth chart.
If Brandon struggles or deals with any injury issues, it’ll be MacIntyre’s turn. And despite not beating out Brandon for the starting job, he still has the talent to be an impact player in the SEC.
