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Faizon Brandon Shines With Five TDs in Debut

9/7/2026

28 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Faizon Brandon accounted for five touchdowns in his debut against Furman on Sept. 5, 2026.
He completed 13 of 17 passes for 226 yards and three passing touchdowns.
Brandon rushed 10 times for 68 yards and added two rushing touchdowns.
At 18 years, three months, he became Tennessee’s youngest quarterback starter and first true freshman to open season since 2004.
Tennessee defeated FCS Furman 56-9, outgaining them 638 to 221 yards.

History

Historical Context

After the NCAA allowed freshmen to play varsity football in the 1972-73 season, Ohio State’s Cornelius Greene completed 12 of 20 passes for 150 yards in a 28-14 win, showing the rule’s immediate effect. In 2024, Tennessee freshman Faizon Brandon repeated that impact with 226 yards and five touchdowns, confirming the rule’s lasting influence on recruiting and quarterback readiness.

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Story summary

Faizon Brandon accounted for five touchdowns in his debut against Furman on Sept. 5, 2026.
He completed 13 of 17 passes for 226 yards and three passing touchdowns.
Brandon rushed 10 times for 68 yards and added two rushing touchdowns.
At 18 years, three months, he became Tennessee’s youngest quarterback starter and first true freshman to open season since 2004.
Tennessee defeated FCS Furman 56-9, outgaining them 638 to 221 yards.

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