Faison Brandon, a Greensboro native and five‑star recruit, has been named the starting quarterback for the University of Tennessee Volunteers as the program prepares for its 2026 campaign.
A Freshman's Rise
Brandon concluded his high school career at Grimsley High School with a 35‑1 record, back‑to‑back state championships in 2024 and 2025, and 100 combined passing and rushing touchdowns, earning North Carolina player‑of‑the‑year honors from Gatorade and MaxPreps.
Coach Josh Heupel highlighted the quarterback’s overall control, command of the offense, fundamentals and decision‑making as the key reasons he earned the starting role despite the intense competition during the spring and summer.
Adding experience to the line, David Sanders Jr., another five‑star recruit from Charlotte, will protect Brandon’s blind side as a sophomore in 2026, bringing veteran presence to a young but talented unit.
The Volunteers open the season on September 5 against Furman at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, a game that will showcase the freshman quarterback’s readiness for SEC competition.