Tennessee is nearing the end of its preseason evaluation, and coach Josh Heupel has not yet designated a starting quarterback for the 2026 season. The decision, expected in the coming days or possibly the week of Tennessee’s opener, comes after a closed intrasquad scrimmage on Aug. 22 in which two players emerged as the primary contenders.
Who’s in the running
The competition appears to be between five-star freshman Faizon Brandon and sophomore George MacIntyre. Observers of the closed scrimmage reported Brandon flashed big-play ability as both a passer and a runner, connecting on a deep throw to Mike Matthews and producing several long runs. Those same viewers also noted the freshman made some typical first-year errors, including an interception and some short, makeable throws missed.
MacIntyre showed steady management of the offense but was not without mistakes; reports say he threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown and missed a deep target. Heupel said he will weigh those mixed performances as he decides whether to name a starter now or wait until closer to Tennessee’s first game.
“You evaluate where they’re at (and) who has earned it,” Heupel said. “And (you consider) what you think is best holistically for that position group in the buildup (to the season) and in the football team.”
Timing and implications
Heupel acknowledged potential benefits to naming a starter earlier: the chosen quarterback would receive first-team reps as the staff shifts from preseason practice to game-week preparation. However, he also left open the possibility of delaying the announcement until the week of the Sept. 5 opener against Furman at Neyland Stadium.
Heupel also noted that game circumstances could influence playing time. If the Sept. 5 game becomes one-sided, it’s likely both quarterbacks would see the field — a factor Heupel must consider when deciding whether to name a single starter or continue a rotation plan.
- Leading candidates: Faizon Brandon (freshman), George MacIntyre (sophomore)
- Next milestone: Potential starter announcement within days or the week of the first game
- Season opener: Sept. 5 vs. Furman at Neyland Stadium (3:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network+/ESPN+)
| Date | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 22, 2026 | Closed scrimmage | Evaluations reported to media; not open to public |
| Sept. 5, 2026 | Season opener vs. Furman | 3:30 p.m. ET; possible multi-quarterback usage |
Fans and local media will be watching for Heupel’s next public comments and any indication of who will take the first snaps in Neyland. The decision will shape Tennessee’s early offensive preparation and set a tone for how the program manages quarterback development this season.
Coverage will continue as the coaching staff moves into the final phase of game-week drills and makes its official announcement.
