Tennessee Volunteers football has a quarterback question, and the answer is arriving fast. Five-star freshman Faizon Brandon has grabbed the momentum in a wide-open race for QB1.
We have followed every signal this offseason, and the choice could shape Josh Heupel‘s sixth year on Rocky Top.
| Key Takeaways True freshman Faizon Brandon leads the quarterback battle over redshirt freshman George MacIntyre heading into fall camp.The Vols open Sept. 5 at home against Furman, with Texas, Alabama, and LSU all visiting Neyland Stadium.Tennessee placed four players on ESPN’s Top 100 newcomers list and sold out season tickets for a fourth straight year. |
Who wins Tennessee’s quarterback battle?
Last year’s starter, Joey Aguilar, ran out of eligibility and signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
That leaves two passers with almost no college snaps to replace him.
Brandon holds the edge for now, according to CBS Sports, though Heupel will not crown a starter until camp.
The job is far from settled.
| Quarterback | Class | Background | 2026 Outlook |
| Faizon Brandon | True FR | No. 1 QB in the 2026 class, ~$1.2M NIL value | Momentum leader for QB1 |
| George MacIntyre | RS FR | 7 of 9 passing, 69 yards in 2025 | A year in the system, still in it |
| Ryan Staub | Jr | Colorado transfer, 2 career starts | Veteran depth option |
What does the 2026 schedule look like?
The Vols play seven home games and five on the road, per Tennessee Athletics.
Texas visits Knoxville on Sept. 26 for the first regular-season meeting between the programs.
The Third Saturday in October brings Alabama to town on Oct. 17.
| Date | Opponent | Site |
| Sept. 5 | Furman | Neyland Stadium, Knoxville |
| Sept. 12 | at Georgia Tech | Atlanta, Ga. |
| Sept. 19 | Kennesaw State | Neyland Stadium, Knoxville |
| Sept. 26 | Texas | Neyland Stadium, Knoxville |
| Oct. 3 | Auburn | Neyland Stadium, Knoxville |
| Oct. 10 | at Arkansas | Fayetteville, Ark. |
| Oct. 17 | Alabama | Neyland Stadium, Knoxville |
| Oct. 24 | at South Carolina | Columbia, S.C. |
| Oct. 31 | Open date (bye) | — |
| Nov. 7 | Kentucky | Neyland Stadium, Knoxville |
| Nov. 14 | at Texas A&M | College Station, Texas |
| Nov. 21 | LSU | Neyland Stadium, Knoxville |
| Nov. 28 | at Vanderbilt | Nashville, Tenn. |
When do the Vols kick off?
The SEC has locked in times for the first three games, as detailed by On3.
The Georgia Tech road trip is a primetime slot on ESPN.
Everything after that is still listed as TBD.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV |
| Sept. 5 | Furman | 3:30 p.m. | SEC Network+ |
| Sept. 12 | at Georgia Tech | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN |
| Sept. 19 | Kennesaw State | 7:45 p.m. | SEC Network |
Who did Tennessee add this offseason?
New defensive coordinator Jim Knowles arrived from Penn State and brought talent with him.
The Vols landed four players on ESPN’s Top 100 newcomers list, and 247Sports tracked a busy transfer portal.
| Player | Position | Why It Matters |
| Chaz Coleman | EDGE | Five-star, the top pass rusher Tennessee landed in the portal |
| Xavier Gilliam | DT | Followed new DC Jim Knowles in and flashed in spring |
| Faizon Brandon | QB | Five-star freshman pushing for the Week 1 start |
| Amare Campbell | LB | Arrived from Penn State after a 100-tackle season |
| Ory Williams | OT | Projected starter at right tackle |
What does this mean for Vols fans?
The slate sets up well, with the toughest games at home.
A young quarterback and a retooled defense make 2026 a real test.
If Brandon delivers, the College Football Playoff is back in the conversation.
For more local action, see our prep sports coverage.
Related Reading
- Knicks vs Boston Celtics match player stats
- Baltimore Ravens vs Cleveland Browns match player stats
- Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers match player stats
- Knicks vs Pacers match player stats
- Atholton Raiders vs Largo Lions prep recap
For More Latest Updates Atholton News