Greg McElroy Names 5-Star Freshman Who Could Be The Answer to a High-Stakes QB Battle

The Tennessee Volunteers are looking to rebound after a disappointing 2025 season. Following their first appearance in the College Football Playoff in 2024, expectations were high, but the team finished 8-5 under head coach Josh Heupel.

One of the bright spots was quarterback Joey Aguilar. The Appalachian State Mountaineers transfer threw for 3,565 yards with 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, while adding 101 rushing yards and four touchdowns. His production provided stability for the offense throughout the season.

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After the season, Aguilar sought an additional year of eligibility, arguing that his junior college seasons should not count fully against his Division I eligibility. However, that request was denied, leaving Tennessee without its returning starter.

Tennessee quarterbacks, from left, Ryan Staub (17), George MacIntyre (15), Mason Phillips (13) and Faizon Brandon (11) during the Vols' first spring football practice in Knoxville on March 16, 2026. | Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The leading candidates to replace Aguilar are redshirt freshman George MacIntyre and five-star freshman Faizon Brandon. MacIntyre is viewed as the early favorite, but the competition remains open. Greg McElroy of ESPN suggested on "Always College Football" that Brandon could emerge as a serious contender.

"I would not be surprised if Faizon Brandon ends up maybe winning this job by the time the game rolls around," McElroy said. "I mean, the kid's that talented."

Brandon arrives with significant expectations. He was ranked as high as the No. 3 overall player and the No. 3 quarterback in the 2026 recruiting class. His offer list included programs such as the Ohio State Buckeyes, Alabama Crimson Tide, LSU Tigers, Georgia Bulldogs and Oregon Ducks before he committed to Tennessee.

One factor working in his favor is Heupel’s offensive system. Tennessee has consistently produced high-level offenses under Heupel, finishing in the top 20 nationally each season of his tenure, including three top-10 finishes. The program has also developed productive quarterbacks, including Aguilar, Nico Iamaleava, Joe Milton and Hendon Hooker.

Hooker and Milton both turned their success into NFL contracts. Hooker is with the Tennessee Titans after spending time with the Detroit Lions, whereas Milton is with the Dallas Cowboys after spending time with the New England Patriots. Aguilar is projected to be a late-round draft pick or sign somewhere as an undrafted free agent.

That track record raises the ceiling for whoever wins the starting job. Whether it is MacIntyre’s experience in the system or Brandon’s raw talent, Tennessee has options at the position.

Ultimately, the outcome of this quarterback battle could define the Volunteers’ season. If Brandon lives up to expectations or MacIntyre provides consistent play, Tennessee could position itself to return to playoff contention and reestablish itself among the top teams in the SEC.