Why Tennessee Fans Shouldn't Doubt Josh Heupel's Decision to Start Faizon Brandon

Now isn't the time to question Josh Heupel's quarterback decision, and here's why.

Sep 6, 2025; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel during the second half against the East Tennessee State Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Tennessee Volunteers have selected Faizon Brandon to be their starting quarterback for the upcoming season. While many have shown excitement, some feel the exact opposite.

Despite Brandon being a young athlete, now isn't the time to be critical, and here's why.

Josh Heupel's Success With Quarterbacks in Knoxville, Tennessee

Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel speaks during the annual Big Orange Caravan event at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, April 29, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

It is no secret that Heupel has had some great success when it comes to the quarterback position. Many believe this is due to his understanding of how things are supposed to work since he played quarterback at a high level with Oklahoma.

Since joining the staff, Heupel has started multiple quarterbacks, and not a single one has been underwhelming.

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) walks off the field after Tennessee's game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. Kns Vols Georgia Bp | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

He started his Tennessee Vols career with Joe Milton II, who would later turn into Hendon Hooker as the starter in Knoxville. Milton II still wasn't a bust, which is something we will discuss later on. As for Hooker, he would do enough in his two seasons to be recognized as one of the greatest Tennessee football quarterbacks of all time. This includes nearly being a Heisman finalist, which was spoiled by his tore ACL that he suffered prior to the selection day.

After Hooker finished his career in Tennessee, Heupel gave the keys back to Milton II, who was excellent in his final college season as a starter. He helped lead the Vols to a solid season, despite many believing this was the lesser of the wide receiver groups that Heupel has had since joining the Tennessee staff.

Joe Milton throws a pass at Tennessee Pro-Day in Knoxville, Tenn., Wednesday, March 27, 2024. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Next up, Nico Iamaleava. While this is a name that many don't like to hear due to his offseason decision to depart the program, Iamaleava was excellent in his season as a starter with the Vols. He finished the season in the college football playoffs, which is a goal that the Vols have been chasing since the new metrics took place. This was the closest that Tennessee had been to a national championship since Phillip Fulmer was the coach.

Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) stands at the line of scrimmage before a play agianst Alabama at Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

His offseason departure led to a decision to start Joey Aguilar, a UCLA Bruins transfer who was brought in to be the plug-and-play quarterback following the quick turnaround. Aguilar finished the season as the SEC QB with the most passing yards despite having multiple weeks in which he was still learning the offense.

Former Tennessee football player Joey Aguilar smiles as he arrives at his Youth Football Camp at Webb School in Knoxville on July 11, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Fast forward to now, Brandon is the quarterback decision, and Tennessee fans have absolutely no reason to contest this. Heupel has showcased that he can put QBs in the best position to succeed. There's no need to believe things will change now.