Tennessee’s football program is already turning its attention to the 2027 season, a timeline that forces coaches to think several years ahead about the most critical position on the field.
Quarterback is the linchpin of any modern SEC offense, and the Vols have identified George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon as the leading contenders for the starting role, each bringing a distinct skill set that could shape the team’s offensive identity.
Finding a dependable backup, however, is a different puzzle. The conventional wisdom that most college quarterbacks prefer to be starters makes the market for a quality No. 2 both thin and competitive, prompting the administration to consider creative incentives such as a lucrative NIL agreement to lure a proven hand.
Ryan Staub, a Colorado transfer who has seen limited action over three seasons, has emerged as a potential solution, but his modest college résumé underscores the risk inherent in banking on a player who has yet to demonstrate he can handle a full‑time role.
The Transfer Portal as a Lifeline
The transfer portal has become a double‑edged sword for programs seeking immediate impact, especially at positions where roster continuity is fragile. For Tennessee, the ability to act decisively when a promising quarterback enters the market could tip the balance between a season of promise and one of rebuilding.
Coach Josh Heupel has signaled that the staff will be ready to move quickly when the portal opens in January, a window that could decide whether the Vols secure a starter‑ready backup or scramble to patch a gap mid‑season.
The broader picture also includes other notable names in the quarterback conversation, such as Carson Beck and Gunner Stockton, whose own career trajectories may intersect with Tennessee’s plans, while veteran John Adams adds institutional knowledge to the mix.