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Faizon Brandon favored to win starting quarterback job over George MacIntrye
TL;DR
Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon is favored to win the starting job over George MacIntyre following a competitive spring camp. The quarterback battle intensified after Joey Aguilar's eligibility appeal was denied.
Key points
- Faizon Brandon is a true freshman quarterback.
- George MacIntyre was initially the assumed favorite.
- Joey Aguilar's eligibility appeal was denied.
- The quarterback battle intensified during spring camp.
- Brandon's performances led to him being favored for the starting job.
Faizon BrandonGeorge MacIntyreJoey AguilarTennessee Volunteers
Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon (11) throws a pass during the Orange and White game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, April 11, 2026. | Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Tennessee’s quarterback battle was officially on the very second that Joey Aguilar’s appeal for another season of eligibility was struck down in a Knoxville courtroom. Josh Heupel went after a couple of options in the transfer portal, but ultimately was priced out of any sort of solution.
That result left us with something we haven’t really seen in several seasons — a true quarterback battle. George MacIntyre was the assumed favorite, entering his second season in the program with a 5-star billing. However, the early word out of spring camp was that he and true freshman Faizon Brandon — another 5-star passer — were much more on equal ground than anyone initially thought.
As camp went on, that chatter picked up. From rumored practices to scrimmage performances, Brandon quickly emerged with a narrative that he had a true shot. By the end of camp, Brandon was considered the favorite to win the job by many close to the program.
This week the gambling markets have picked up on that. BetOnline had Brandon -150 to win the job over MacIntyre earlier this week. As of Friday that number had moved all the way out to -200.
Brandon, the No. 2 overall player in the class of 2026, is coming off a state title in North Carolina. He arrived on campus shortly after, getting acclimated to Josh Heupel’s offense. The 6-3, 200 pound quarterback clearly made a quick impression, while MacIntyre seemed to struggle for a second-year player.
Q&A
Why is Faizon Brandon favored to be Tennessee's starting quarterback?
Faizon Brandon is favored due to his strong performance during spring camp, where he matched up well against George MacIntyre, who was initially seen as the favorite.
What happened to Joey Aguilar's eligibility for the Tennessee football team?
Joey Aguilar's appeal for an additional season of eligibility was denied in a Knoxville courtroom, leading to a quarterback competition between Brandon and MacIntyre.
How did the quarterback battle at Tennessee develop during spring camp?
The quarterback battle developed as both Faizon Brandon and George MacIntyre showcased their skills, but Brandon's performances led many to consider him the frontrunner by the end of camp.