Heading into the second scrimmage, Faizon Brandon has all the momentum in Tennessee’s quarterback battle

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Tennessee’s quarterback battle isn’t settled just yet, but a clear leader — really since the end of spring — has seemingly emerged. Faizon Brandon, the 5-star true freshman quarterback out of North Carolina, had to back up what he did in the spring during fall camp. Through a few weeks, it certainly seems like he’s done just that.

The Volunteers went through their first scrimmage last weekend with Brandon and redshirt freshman George MacIntyre seemingly on equal ground. Throughout the week, reports from those in attendance have heavily suggested that it was Brandon being the more dynamic and explosive passer. Brandon was praised for making plays down the field, perhaps offering Josh Heupel more upside in the immediate offense.

Heupel, of course, wasn’t giving anything away following the scrimmage.

“I like the growth from both of those guys,” Heupel said. “They’ve had really positive days, positive plays. They’ve all had one that they probably would do a little bit different. The fundamentals and technique continue to get better, understanding of what we’re doing. I just want to see them continue to grow here over the next couple weeks.”

Brandon ended up being the No. 3 overall prospect in the class of 2026, according to 247Sports. None of us really imaged he would be pushing for the starting job as a true freshman, but Tennessee’s swings in the transfer portal came up empty and Joey Aguilar’s court appeal for another season of eligibility was denied. It was a perfect storm for Brandon, who by all accounts has capitalized on his opportunity.

Pete Nakos of On3 doubled down on his summer prediction today that Brandon would win the job, giving a confidence rating of ‘high.’

“True freshman Faizon Brandon had the edge in Tennessee’s quarterback competition exiting the spring,” Nakos wrote. “Second-year quarterback George MacIntyre answered that with a strong summer in workouts and start to fall camp. But sources told On3 that Brandon was the better quarterback in Tennessee’s first preseason scrimmage, completing multiple deep balls downfield and showing a knack for making plays in live-play situations.”

And now for what could be the final test, the second scrimmage on Saturday in Neyland Stadium. Sure, both quarterbacks are going to play in the opener against Furman, but this could be the moment that Tennessee’s quarterback battle is settled. Next week would seem to be the time that Heupel usually names a starter, and both passers will have a final chance to impress over the weekend.

However, it certainly feels like it’s Brandon’s to lose.

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