COMMENTARY: Heupel besieged with quarterback talk from media
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Once Josh Heupel finally names a starting quarterback for the 2026 season, there isn’t going to be much to talk about when it comes to the Tennessee football team.
Faizon Brandon or George MacIntyre? True freshman or redshirt freshman. Whatever the case, either will be “THE MAN” for the first time at the college level when they take that first snap against Furman Sept. 5.
The quarterback competition was the dominant topic for Heupel in his 15-minute session at SEC Media Days Monday.
“We’ve played freshmen quarterback in my history, four or five of those guys started as freshmen or redshirt freshmen,” Heupel said. “At the end of the day the players got to go earn it and they got to compete for it every single day. I do think it's really important that the guys around him function and play at a really high level to limit the negative opportunities, the adverse situations a quarterback can be put in. They got to learn how to take care of the football first and foremost.
“You have to play with a competitive edge, allow your play-makers to go make plays as well. The beauty of the game with your quarterback is each one of 'em's a little bit different. They're the artist. You have to hand them the paintbrush and let them go paint it.”
It helps that whichever artist is chosen for that first masterpiece, the easel supporting the canvas is solid. DeSean Bishop is back after rushing for more than 1,000 yards last year. Wide receiver is loaded with standouts Braylon Staley and Mike Matthews. And, the offensive line should be solid.
Brandon and/or MacIntyre just have to put the ball in the right places.
“I don't think there is just one thing at the quarterback position,” Heupel said. “That guy's got his hands on the football every single play. You have to learn how to take care and manage the game. Catastrophic plays are the difference in this league. When you play so many one-possession games, it comes down to taking care of the football at times.
“But they have to play on a competitive edge, distribute the football, get it to your play-makers on time and accurately where they have a chance to make a play afterwards.
“You have to have complete control and command of what we're doing offensively. You got to understand protections, you got to be able to check and adjust. Run game, loaded box checks. Those guys are making the decision on every play.
“At the end of the day, the guy that will be the guy is the guy that's going to have complete control of what we're doing and puts us in the best position to win football games and score points.”
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