Tennessee will open its season with a true freshman for the first time since 2004.Faizon Brandon, a five-star prospect who enrolled in January, will start the Vols’ season opener against Furman on Sept. 5, a person briefed on the matter but not permitted to speak publicly on the decision told The Athletic.On3 was the first to report the news.Tennessee coach Josh Heupel plans to announce the decision during a news conference Monday afternoon.Brandon beat out sophomore George MacIntyre to become the first true freshman to begin a season at quarterback at Tennessee since Brent Schaeffer, who in 2004 was the first true freshman to start a season opener in the SEC since freshman eligibility was reinstated in 1973.
Brandon appears to be Tennessee’s answer at quarterback after a tumultuous offseason at the position.The Vols turned to Appalachian State and UCLA transfer Joey Aguilar last summer after five-star Nico Iamaleava left suddenly near the end of spring practice following a dispute over his NIL contract.Aguilar threw for 3,565 yards with 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as the Vols went 8-5 following a College Football Playoff appearance in the 2024 season.Aguilar pursued an additional year of eligibility in a local court after the season, but a judge denied the injunction, ending Aguilar’s case, arguing that his first two seasons of football in junior college should not count toward his eligibility.Tennessee also heavily pursued Arizona State transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt after Jake Merklinger left the program for UConn. Leavitt ultimately chose LSU, signing with new Tigers coach Lane Kiffin, who also coached Tennessee in the 2009 season.Brandon, a native of Greensboro, N.C., was the No. 3 prospect in the 2026 class but had been committed to Tennessee since August of 2024.He ranked No. 75 on The Athletic’s QB Tiers released last month and was projected to win Tennessee’s starting job.“Brandon has the size and ability,” an SEC general manager said. “Just have to see him process.”
