The University of Tennessee has named freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon as the starter for the 2026 season, a decision that will be on display when the Volunteers open their campaign against Furman on September 5 at Neyland Stadium. The game will be streamed on SEC Network+ at 3:30 p.m. EDT, giving fans an early glimpse of the new signal‑caller.
Coach Heupel’s assessment
After the final scrimmage on August 22, head coach Josh Heupel praised both quarterbacks for their decision‑making and command of the offense. He highlighted Brandon’s arm strength and poise, while noting MacIntyre’s sharp footwork and quick reads, underscoring the competitive nature of the battle.
The coaching staff sees the upcoming matchup as a litmus test for the offense, believing that the performance of the two young quarterbacks will set the tone for the Volunteers’ early season momentum.
With the season opener fast approaching, the focus will be on how Brandon translates his practice success into game action and whether he can lead the team to a strong start against Furman.