Tennessee Vols Quarterback Competition Heats Up Ahead of 2026 Season

As the Tennessee Volunteers prepare for the 2026 college football season, head coach Josh Heupel faces a pivotal decision regarding the starting quarterback position. Following the Orange and White spring game, Heupel has indicated that he will not finalize his choice until fall camp, allowing true freshman Faizon Brandon and redshirt freshman George MacIntyre to develop further. Both quarterbacks have yet to experience meaningful game action, making this decision particularly challenging.

Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel’s starting quarterback decision is obvious following the Orange and White spring game247Sports

During the Orange and White game held at Neyland Stadium, both quarterbacks showcased their abilities. George MacIntyre rebounded from earlier scrimmage performances, demonstrating improved rhythm and completing a series of passes that led to a field goal. In contrast, Faizon Brandon displayed his arm strength and mobility but struggled with accuracy on deeper throws. The competition is further complicated by the presence of Colorado transfer Ryan Staub, who also made a strong impression with a touchdown pass.

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Heupel's approach to the quarterback competition is informed by past experiences. In 2021, he initially named Joe Milton as the starter based on fall camp performance, only to later realize that Hendon Hooker was the more effective player in game situations. Former Vols offensive coordinator Alex Golesh acknowledged this misjudgment, emphasizing the unpredictability of player performance under pressure. This history suggests that Heupel may benefit from allowing both quarterbacks to play in the season opener against Furman, a strategy reminiscent of Phillip Fulmer's approach in 2004 with Erik Ainge and Brent Schaeffer, which yielded significant success.

Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel’s starting quarterback decision is obvious following the Orange and White spring game

Heupel has expressed the importance of evaluating both quarterbacks in real-game scenarios. He stated, “You don’t really know until you know,” underscoring the necessity of game experience to determine the best fit for the starting role. This sentiment is echoed by Golesh, who noted that practice performance does not always translate to game success.

Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel’s starting quarterback decision is obvious following the Orange and White spring game

Despite the optimism surrounding the competition, some analysts caution against the risks of splitting playing time between two inexperienced quarterbacks. Critics argue that this could hinder the development of a clear leader and disrupt team cohesion. The uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position has raised concerns about the Vols' ability to compete effectively in the SEC.

Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel’s starting quarterback decision is obvious following the Orange and White spring game

As the Vols move into the summer months, the focus will be on how both quarterbacks develop during training and fall camp. Heupel's decision-making process will be closely monitored as fans and analysts alike await the announcement of the starting quarterback ahead of the season opener.

Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel’s starting quarterback decision is obvious following the Orange and White spring game

• “I don’t know that you really know until you know,” — Josh Heupel, Head Coach

Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel’s starting quarterback decision is obvious following the Orange and White spring game

• “I went through it at the previous place (Tennessee) where I thought I knew and I was wrong, so I’m humble enough to admit that.” — Alex Golesh, Former Offensive Coordinator

Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel’s starting quarterback decision is obvious following the Orange and White spring game