Three Fun Facts About Tennessee Football's Decision to Start Faizon Brandon

Faizon Brandon on his OV. | Faizon Brandon

The Tennessee Volunteers have had a busy day when it comes to their quarterback position, as they have named Faizon Brandon as their starter for the upcoming season opener, and he will be the quarterback who remains the starter if things go well.

This move opens the door for some fun facts that many fans may not know or have forgotten about ahead of kickoff. Here are three you need to know.

Faizon Brandon is the First True Freshman Quarterback to Be a Starter For the Vols Week 1 Since 2004

Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon leads a huddle at his Youth Football Camp at Anderson County High School on July 25, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Tennessee Volunteers don't have a tendency when it comes to playing true freshmen at the quarterback position. Brandon was the rare exception. In fact, the last player that the Vols played to begin the season at quarterback as the starter was Brent Schaeffer in 2004. This goes to show that the Vols have someone that they can trust, even if he is a young quarterback. As of now, Brandon is only 18, and he is already set to begin his career with the Vols as a starter. He could be the starter for the next five seasons if he wanted. This is a massive step for the young athlete.

Faizon Brandon is Tennessee's First North Carolina Starter at Quarterback Since Hendon Hooker

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker carries the ball he was presented during a pregame ceremony recognizing the team's seniors before the game against Missouri on Nov. 12, 2022 in Knoxville, Tenn. Syndication The Knoxville News Sentinel | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Tennessee Volunteers have been going to the state of North Carolina for many positions; however, it isn't always that they go and get a Tar Heel State gunslinger. That was the case with Faizon Brandon, who is now the first North Carolina starter for the Vols at quarterback since Hendon Hooker took his final snap with the Vols in 2022. The cool thing about this is that the two know each other quite well, as there have been some mixed reports that Brandon has even trained with Hendon's dad in the past.

Faizon Brandon is the First Starting Quarterback to Wear No. 11 Since Joshua Dobbs

Sep 10, 2016; Bristol, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) walks through fans during Vol Walk prior to the Battle at Bristol agains the Virginia Tech Hokies at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It is no secret that the No. 11 is one that many Tennessee football fans cherish. That is due to the fact that Josh Dobbs wore that number in his lengthy career as a starter. When it comes to Brandon, he will also wear the No. 11, which will make him the first quarterback to start a game with that number since Dobbs did. Tennessee fans will finally get to see another quarterback rocking the No. 11 jersey, which, if you believe in superstitions, may make you excited.