The LSU Tigers are gearing up for a pivotal season, having solidified the core of their roster. Meanwhile, one of their key conference rivals, the Tennessee Volunteers, finds itself in a bit of a quarterback conundrum.
Tennessee's passing leader from last season, Joey Aguilar, won't be returning to the field after a court denied his request for an additional year of eligibility. This decision shakes up the dynamics for the much-anticipated matchup between LSU and Tennessee on November 21.
The Volunteers are exploring their quarterback options, but none bring the certainty Aguilar offered. Head Coach Josh Heupel has secured a promising talent in Faizon Brandon, the No. 3 quarterback in the 2026 recruiting class.
Brandon, a five-star recruit and multi-sport athlete, boasts immense potential. However, at just 17 and having missed part of his final high school season due to injury, he's still a raw prospect.
Another contender for the role is redshirt freshman George MacIntyre, a four-star recruit from the 2025 class. While MacIntyre showed promise by completing 7 of 9 passes for 69 yards in limited action last season, his experience is minimal, having played only against East Tennessee State and New Mexico State.
The Volunteers' most seasoned option is Ryan Staub, who brings three years of backup experience from his time with the Colorado Buffaloes. Staub's career stats include a 53.5% completion rate on 99 attempts, totaling 681 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions.
As the Tigers prepare for their clash with Tennessee, it seems likely they'll face one of the younger quarterbacks. This scenario could give LSU an edge, especially considering their last encounter in 2022, where Tennessee handed them a tough 40-13 defeat in Baton Rouge. This upcoming game presents a prime opportunity for LSU and Coach Lane Kiffin to turn the tables and seek some redemption.