Fans React to Tennessee Football Quarterback Faizon Brandon Being Named the Starter

The Tennessee Volunteers have plenty to be excited about, as they released some of the biggest news of the offseason. Following a one-year run by Joey Aguilar, the Vols have a new gunslinger who is set to be the starter for the 2026 season.

That quarterback is none other than former No. 1 player in high school football and former five-star gunslinger Faizon Brandon. Brandon won the job over current Tennessee football backup quarterback George MacIntyre in what was an intense quarterback battle.

Tennessee commit, Faizon Brandon | Brooks Austin

The Vols showing trust in the young quarterback is something that is expected to be the case, but giving him the starting role with the team isn't a trend Tennessee has followed closely. In fact, Brandon is the first true freshman quarterback to play for the Vols as the starter in Week 1 since 2004, which highlights the amount of trust that the Vols' staff has in him.

Following the news, Tennessee football fans and college football fans as a whole shared their online reactions to the announcement. Here is what they had to say.

Fans React to Faizon Brandon Being Named as Tennessee Football's Starting Quarterback

"Why didn’t Heupel go and get an experienced portal QB? Rolling the dice here and could go south pretty fast with that schedule. 7-5," @4thAndTruth said on X.

"Brandon winning this job as a true freshman is a fascinating evaluation point. The physical tools and playmaking ability are obvious, but now comes the part you can’t simulate in camp: processing and operating the offense on Saturdays. Tennessee is betting on the upside early," @1stDownFastBrks said on X.

"It’s time to cook," @trollingvol said on X.

"Tape don’t lie, I’m shocked it took this long to name him as the starter," @NickyPerks said on X.

"I can tell everyone in the comments hasn’t watched this guy play. He’s a dude," @TechnicallyTee said on X.

"THE GOAT THE ** GOAT," @volsoup said on X.

"First true freshman starter since 2004 and they immediately send him to Georgia Tech. No pressure, kid. None at all," @VictoriaCh23285 said on X.

"This is going to be a bridge year for the Vols but when Georges arrives next year UT's making a run with these 2," @CountofCameron said on X.

"Tennessee must really like what they’ve seen this offseason. You don’t hand a true freshman the keys unless he’s earned a lot of trust," @kellystorms said on X.

"Let's gooooooooooooo," @RegalMill388 said on X.

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