Tennessee Vols Gear Up for a Make-or-Break Season
Under head coach Josh Heupel, the Vols enter the season ranked No. 8 in the SEC, featuring a quarterback duel, a revamped defense, and a schedule that could define their destiny.
Jun 8, 2026
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Faizon Brandon
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Faizon Brandon across Football.
SEC’s Emerging Quarterback Class Sets Stage for 2026 Showdown
A look at the top eight first‑year quarterbacks in the SEC, their backgrounds, and the battles that could shape the upcoming season.
Jun 6, 2026
Tennessee’s 2026 Showdown with Alabama: Underdog Hopes and Defensive Overhaul
The Volunteers enter the 2026 Alabama game as modest underdogs, aiming to avenge last season's loss while navigating a pivotal defensive transformation and quarterback competition.
Jun 4, 2026
Faizon Brandon’s Early Enrollment Puts Him in Spotlight
Freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon, enrolled early at Tennessee, impressed coaches and analysts with his spring progress, earning a No. 22 ranking from ESPN’s Billy Tucker.
Jun 3, 2026
Ethan Grunkemeyer Poised to Lead Virginia Tech’s 2026 Offense
Virginia Tech's quarterback competition has a clear frontrunner in Ethan Grunkemeyer, whose collegiate background and personal connections could reshape the team's attack.
Jun 3, 2026
Heupel Maps 2026 Battle: Quarterbacks on Tennessee’s Radar
Coach Josh Heupel is already turning his attention to the 2026 slate, even though the Volunteers have yet to name a starter under center. Among the most scrutinized opponents is Georgia Tech’s Alberto Mendoza, who enters his first season as a starter after serving as the backup to his Heisman‑winning brother. He will be charged with running a fresh offensive scheme in Atlanta. Texas brings a fresh storyline with Arch Manning slated for his first road test in Knoxville, a game that will pit the heir to a football dynasty against a Volunteers defense that remains a work in progress. Auburn’s Byrum Brown adds a dual‑threat dimension, having posted over 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards last season, a combination that could test Tennessee’s secondary. Alabama’s quarterback situation remains unsettled, with junior Austin Mack and former five‑star recruit Keelon Russell battling for the snap. The Crimson Tide will visit Neyland on October 17, a date that could shape the early narrative of the SEC season. South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, once a top prospect for the No. 1 overall draft pick, struggled to find his footing in 2025, making his performance a potential turning point for the Gamecocks. LSU’s Sam Leavitt could instantly transform the Tigers into a playoff contender, a prospect that adds another layer of intrigue to the Volunteers’ schedule. Beyond the traditional powers, Tennessee will also face home‑grown talent in the portal: Kentucky’s acquisition of Notre Dame transfer Kenny Minchey, a Hendersonville native, and Texas A&M’s return of Nashville native Marcel Reed. Vanderbilt may even start five‑star freshman Jared Curtis, a Nashville Christian star, further deepening the local storylines. All of these quarterbacks bring distinct challenges, and Heupel’s early preparation reflects a desire to stay ahead of the curve as the Volunteers aim to translate their momentum into another strong season.
Jun 3, 2026
The SEC’s Breakaway Dream and the Big Ten’s Tight Race
A look at how the SEC's push for independence, the Big Ten's emerging contenders, and pending federal legislation could reshape the sport's power structure.
Jun 3, 2026
Tennessee Overhauls Defense Ahead of 2026 Season
After a lackluster 2025 season, the Volunteers fired defensive coordinator Tim Banks and hired Jim Knowles, while four fresh faces cracked ESPN's top 100 newcomers list. Key players such as Xavier Gilliam, Faizon Brandon, Chaz Coleman and Kayin Lee are expected to shape the unit's rebound.
Jun 2, 2026
Faizon Brandon’s Rise Fuels Tennessee’s QB Competition
A highly touted quarterback is battling for the starting role, bringing elite talent and poise to Tennessee's offense.
Jun 2, 2026
Tennessee Volunteers Prepare for 2026 with High‑Profile Additions
The Volunteers have bolstered their roster with veteran coordinator Jim Knowles and four ESPN Top 100 newcomers, including defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam, as they look to turn the page and compete in the upcoming season.
Jun 2, 2026
Vols’ Wide Receiver Corps Poised for Breakout in 2026
With key departures and a fresh quarterback, Tennessee's receivers are poised to step up and shape the offense for the upcoming season.
Jun 2, 2026
Georgia Tech’s 2026 Football Schedule Highlights Tennessee Showdown
Georgia Tech opens its season with a slate of home games on ESPN, highlighted by a much‑anticipated matchup against Tennessee that promises fresh storylines and a revived rivalry.
May 31, 2026
Chaz Coleman’s Comeback: Tennessee’s Offseason Wildcard
After a season at Penn State, Chaz Coleman is back in Knoxville, bringing versatility and high‑ranking accolades to the Volunteers’ defense.
May 30, 2026
Tennessee Volunteers Count Down to Season Opener as Quarterback Battle Looms
The Volunteers are navigating an open quarterback competition, the absence of a key player, and the impact of fresh coaching leadership as they prepare for the upcoming season.
May 29, 2026
Alabama’s 2026 Road Battle: Five SEC Foes Await
The Alabama Crimson Tide will venture away from Tuscaloosa for five SEC contests in 2026, each presenting distinct challenges from LSU’s revamped offense to Tennessee’s quarterback transition.
May 28, 2026
Tennessee’s Defensive Revival hinges on Chaz Coleman’s return
After a promising 2024, the Tennessee Volunteers stumbled in 2025. A key piece of their rebuild, edge rusher Chaz Coleman, is currently away from the program, and his eventual return could determine whether the team can reclaim its upward trajectory.
May 28, 2026
Offseason Shifts Set the Stage for a Competitive 2026 College Football Season
An overview of the major offseason moves shaping the 2026 college football season, from quarterback battles to coaching changes.
May 28, 2026
Josh Heupel Enters Sixth Season with Tennessee Volunteers
A look at the coach’s record, national rankings, and the challenges awaiting the Volunteers in the upcoming campaign.
May 27, 2026
SEC Quarterback Outlook for 2026: SI’s Early Projections
Sports Illustrated’s preliminary look at the 2026 SEC quarterback race highlights emerging talents, veteran takeovers and the impact of coaching shifts across the league.
May 26, 2026
Tennessee Vols Aim to Bounce Back in 2026 After Coaching Overhaul
The University of Tennessee is preparing for the 2026 season, seeking to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign. With fresh faces on defense, a dozen transfer additions, and a quarterback battle between George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon, the Vols hope to turn the page under a reshaped staff.
May 25, 2026
Tennessee Volunteers’ 2026 Season Outlook: Optimism, Doubt, and the Road Ahead
With 103 days until kickoff, Tennessee fans and experts diverge on what the Volunteers can achieve, from playoff dreams to cautious 8‑4 expectations, while key storylines shape the upcoming campaign.
May 25, 2026
Tennessee Volunteers Welcome 2026 Recruiting Class to Campus
The University of Tennessee’s football program is buzzing as the 2026 recruiting class steps onto campus for the first time, marking the start of a highly anticipated summer training period.
May 25, 2026
SEC Quarterback Rankings Preview for the 2026 Season
Spring practices across the SEC have already begun to shape the narrative for the 2026 college football season, and early quarterback rankings are emerging from the first wave of games and workouts. Arch Manning, the 2026 Heisman favorite and projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, looms as a focal point of the conversation.
May 25, 2026
SEC Quarterback Power Rankings: 2026 Outlook After Spring Sessions
Spring practices have set the stage for a volatile SEC quarterback race, with emerging stars, injury comebacks and transfer battles shaping each team's prospects.
May 25, 2026