Skip to main content
Volunteer Country

Tennessee Football Legend Erik Ainge Reacts to Faizon Brandon Being Named the Starter

Erik Ainge speaks out following Faizon Brandon being named as the starter to begin the 2026 season. Here is what he had to say.
Caleb Sisk|
Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon smiles during an interview at his Youth Football Camp at Anderson County High School on July 25, 2026.
Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon smiles during an interview at his Youth Football Camp at Anderson County High School on July 25, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

In this story:

Tennessee Volunteers

The Tennessee Volunteers have made one of the hardest decisions that they will have to make when it comes to the offseason. The decision that the Vols had to make was at the quarterback position, as they have now announced that their quarterback to begin the season will be true freshman Faizon Brandon.

This announcement caught the attention of many, including Tennessee legend Erik Ainge. Here is what he had to say.

Erik Ainge Reacts to Tennessee Football Naming Faizon Brandon the Starter

Faizon Brando
Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon passes the ball to a camper at his Youth Football Camp at Anderson County High School on July 25, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

"Faizon is an elite talent. Hard working. Excellent passer. Super athletic. Sky is the limit for him. Excited to watch him play. Also, George played his butt off in camp. Made it a legit battle. Stay dialed in. Never know when your number gets called. Two good QB’s. Faizon's ability to involve himself in the RPO run game is huggggge. Go get em young man! Go Vols,' Erik Ainge said on X following the starting quarterback announcement.

To Ainge's credit, Brandon is definitely an elite arm. This is one of the contributing factors in the Vols decision, although some believe that MacIntyre's arm may be just as big. When it comes to the deep game, Brandon has some experience when it comes to this in high school, although MacIntyre has made some great plays throwing down the field as well.

Hard work is one of the best things that Ainge said about Brandon. This is the truth, and nothing but the truth. Brandon competed at the highest level all throughout his high school career, whether it was during the offseason with the Elite 11 or it was during the season, only falling short in one contest as a starter. He doesn't take the shortcut, and he always wants to get better. This was shown when he was taking notes from QB coaches and perfecting the mistakes that he made just one play before.

He is also a great passer due to the trust that he has in his receivers and his unbelievable timing on breaking routes. He doesn't make the freshman mistakes that many will expect, as he is someone who will play beyond his time. As for being athletic, this is something that separated himself from MacIntyre as a whole. Both players are athletic, but Brandon is great when using his legs.

This was an excellent quarterback battle for the Vols and will be something that is shown when both have the chance to shine during the season. Keep your eye on these two, as they will likely both play in the first game of the season.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations

Published
Caleb Sisk
CALEB SISK

Caleb Sisk is a talented sports journalist from the state of Georgia. Originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Sisk's passion for sports grew. Bringing years of recruiting coverage experience, he has been named a National Recruiting Reporter and covers various college sites on the On SI network. He takes pride in covering recruiting and has been featured by numerous companies for his excellent coverage and knowledge. He has also spent time at other companies, including Rivals, where he covered the Tennessee Volunteers.

Share on XFollow CalebSisk_
Home/Football