Faizon Brandon Makes Tennessee Volunteers Playoff Contender After Week 1
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The Tennessee Volunteers were considered a fringe playoff team entering the season, but after Week 1, that appears to have changed.
Tennessee opened its season on Saturday at home against Furman in a game that the Vols were always going to win. However, true freshman Faizon Brandon started at quarterback after winning the job and looked like the real deal.
Brandon was a five-star recruit in the Class of 2026 and the third-ranked player and third-ranked quarterback in the class. Although a true freshman starting in the SEC is tough, Brandon looked poised against Furman.
Meanwhile, Brandon also showed off his legs as he’s a dual-threat quarterback. He finished the game going 13-of-17 for 226 yards and 3 touchdowns, while also rushing for 68 yards and 2 touchdowns.
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Brandon’s dominant performance allowed him to sit in the second half as George McIntyre took over as Tennessee cruised to a 56-9 win.
The Volunteers were expected to have one of the best defenses in the SEC, and the defense under Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator lived up to the hype. The run game was once again stellar, as the big question was quarterback play, and Brandon appears to be the real deal.
Tennessee is set to play Georgia Tech in Week 2, which will be a tougher test for Brandon. Yet, the first real test will be on Sept. 26 against Texas at home, and if Brandon continues to have success, the Vols have a real chance at an upset and making the 12-team playoff.
Tennessee has odds of +320 to make the College Football Playoff, which implies a 23.8% chance of winning.
Volunteers HC Pleased With Faizon Brandon’s Play
Although Tennessee did play an FCS school in Furman, Brandon impressed in his first college start.
After watching the tape, Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel spoke to the media and was impressed with what he saw from Brandon. Yet, he also knows Brandon will have to be even better once Tennessee starts playing SEC teams.
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“It always comes down to little things, that’s at home or on the road, but on the road, it’s amplified,” Heupel said on Monday about Brandon’s play. “So great in communication, control, and command of what we’re doing. He’s going to have to make plays, but he’s got to take care of the football as well.”
Heupel was impressed with how Brandon led the Volunteers’ offense in practice and on game day. He also believes Brandon is preparing the right way during the week, which should lead to some success going forward.
“Prepare the right way and empty the tank in your preparation,” Heupel said. “That’s film study, understanding what we want to do.”
The Volunteers are a 12.5-point favorite against Georgia Tech on the road in Week 2.
This story was originally published by Lindys Sports on Sep 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Lindys Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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