For the first time in the era of head coach Josh Heupel, the Tennessee Volunteers will enter spring practice with a question that has the entire fan base buzzing: Who will be the starting quarterback?
Tennessee aims to return to the College Football Playoff for the first time since the 2024 season, and that possibility hinges on QB production. After learning in February that Joey Aguilar would not be eligible for the 2026 season, Heupel has opted to move forward with redshirt freshman George MacIntyre and true freshman Fazion Brandon competing to be the starter.
Labeled by scouts as one of the more promising QBs in the 2025 cycle, MacIntyre (6-foot-6 and 195 pounds) enters the spring with a slight edge in experience after attempting nine passes during the 2025 season. Before arriving at Tennessee, he threw for 2,702 yards and 17 touchdowns for Brentwood Academy in 2024.
Brandon (6-foot-3.5 and 200 pounds), one of the top recruits in the 2026 class, arrived in Knoxville with elite arm talent but will be learning the offense for the first time this spring. Scouts brag on his ability to change arm angles and make off-platform throws in the run-pass option game. In just six starts at Grimsley High School in Greensboro, N.C., in 2025, he threw for 1,116 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Who has the advantage at QB for Tennessee?
MacIntyre may have the edge early. Having spent a year in the system, he may connect with familiar teammates while continuing to learn the offense. In an interview with Chris Low of On3, Heupel said QB evaluation goes beyond arm talent.
“Some of it is their ability to relate, connect and draw things out of the guys around them,” he said. “A lot of it is their ability to respond to adverse situations or plays previously that didn’t go well and then move on because inevitably that’s going to happen at the quarterback position.”
Tennessee’s QB race will be one of the most closely watched storylines in the SEC this spring. With two highly regarded young QB and a playoff-caliber roster, all eyes in Knoxville will be on which freshman can rise fastest in a battle that could shape the 2026 season.
Fans will get their first extended look at the QBs when Tennessee hosts its Orange and White spring game on April 11 at Neyland Stadium.