As Tennessee waits for clarity on Joey Aguilar’s eligibility status for 2026, the Vols are already deep into planning for life under center-whether Aguilar returns or not. Three quarterbacks are firmly in the mix to take the reins of the offense, each bringing a unique skill set and backstory to the table. Let’s break down the contenders vying to lead the Vols into their next chapter.
Faizon Brandon: The Future Is Now
There’s a reason Faizon Brandon has Vol Nation buzzing. The Greensboro, North Carolina native is the kind of recruit that programs build around-dynamic, decorated, and already battle-tested at the high school level. Brandon lost just once in 36 starts at Grimsley High School, and that résumé includes a flawless 16-0 campaign in 2024 that ended with a 4A state championship and North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year honors.
What separates Brandon isn’t just the wins-it’s how he bounced back. After a thumb injury sidelined him early in 2025, he returned just in time for the playoffs and promptly led Grimsley to another state title.
Despite missing most of the regular season, he was still named the 2025 High School Football America/NHSCA National Football Player of the Year. That’s not just resilience-it’s dominance.
With nearly 9,000 total yards and over 100 touchdowns in his high school career, Brandon enters Knoxville with a dual-threat profile that fits perfectly in Tennessee’s up-tempo offensive system. If he can adjust to the speed of the college game, Brandon has the tools to be a game-changer from day one.
George MacIntyre: The Legacy and the Long View
George MacIntyre is no stranger to SEC football. The 6’6” quarterback from Middle Tennessee carries a strong football pedigree-his grandfather, the late George MacIntyre, once led Vanderbilt, and his uncle Mike is a seasoned coach with stops across the college and pro ranks, now calling plays as Oregon State’s defensive coordinator.
But George is carving out his own path. A consensus four-star recruit and ESPN’s top-ranked player in Tennessee’s 2025 class, MacIntyre threw for over 8,000 yards and 62 touchdowns in high school.
He got his first taste of college action last season, making two appearances as a true freshman. His debut came in the home opener against ETSU, where he completed 6-of-7 passes for 52 yards-a small sample size, but a smooth one.
MacIntyre brings prototypical size, a strong arm, and a calm presence in the pocket. While he may not have Brandon’s flash or Staub’s experience, he’s got the kind of upside that programs love to develop. If the Vols take a longer-term approach, MacIntyre could be the guy they groom into their next franchise quarterback.
Ryan Staub: The Veteran Option
If Tennessee opts for experience, Ryan Staub is the most seasoned of the trio. The redshirt junior arrived via the transfer portal from Colorado earlier this month, bringing with him two years of eligibility and a résumé built on perseverance and flashes of potential.
Staub came to Boulder in 2023 as a three-star prospect out of West Ranch High School in California, where he led his team to its first Foothill League Championship and earned league MVP honors. He redshirted his freshman year after appearing in three games, then spent most of 2024 behind Shadeur Sanders, who went on to win Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.
His most meaningful action came in the final game of his true freshman season-a start against Utah where he threw for 254 yards and a touchdown on 23-of-40 passing. In 2025, he saw limited action again but did manage to tally 427 passing yards, three touchdowns, and four interceptions across five games. He also added his first career rushing score, albeit in a tough loss to Utah.
Staub isn’t the flashiest option, but he’s played in hostile environments, taken meaningful snaps, and knows what it’s like to be QB1, even if only briefly. For a Tennessee team that may need a steady hand while younger talent develops, Staub could provide a bridge option with a high football IQ and a veteran’s poise.
The Bottom Line
Tennessee’s quarterback room is in an intriguing spot. If Joey Aguilar’s eligibility bid falls through, the Vols still have a trio of capable arms ready to take the field.
Faizon Brandon offers sky-high potential and electric playmaking ability. George MacIntyre brings size, pedigree, and long-term upside.
Ryan Staub provides experience and a steady presence.
No matter who wins the job, Tennessee has positioned itself well for the future. The Vols aren’t just hoping for the next man up-they’re building a quarterback pipeline that could define their offense for years to come.