As Tennessee gears up for spring camp on March 16, the stage is set for an intriguing quarterback battle. With Joey Aguilar officially out of the picture, three contenders are vying for the starting role: George MacIntyre, Faizon Brandon, and Ryan Staub.
MacIntyre, the only returnee, had limited playtime as a true freshman in 2025, sitting behind Aguilar and Jake Merklinger, who has since transferred. Brandon, a five-star recruit, joins as the youngest contender, heralded as the No. 3 player in the 2026 class. Staub, bringing experience from Colorado, has 10 games under his belt with 681 yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions.
While it’s early days to predict the starter, let’s dive into the potential dynamics at play.
Ric Butler's Take:
As we move through February, the quarterback race seems to be narrowing down to two main contenders. MacIntyre, with a year in the system, has shown promise and could benefit from offseason conditioning under new strength coach Derek Owings. Meanwhile, Brandon’s raw talent is undeniable, but his time might come later.
Prediction: George MacIntyre
Ryan Schumpert's Insight:
Tennessee's young quarterbacks bring talent but lack experience, highlighting why Joey Aguilar's return would have been beneficial. This season offers a chance to evaluate MacIntyre and Brandon further.
Prediction: George MacIntyre
Ryan Sylvia's Perspective:
While MacIntyre’s familiarity with the system gives him an edge, the long-term implications of this decision are significant. If Brandon is seen as the future, starting him now could set the stage for years to come. Despite missing much of his senior year due to injury, his accuracy and potential make him a compelling choice.
Prediction: Faizon Brandon
Fan Poll Results:
The fans have weighed in, showing strong support for MacIntyre as the likely starter. Here's how the predictions stack up:
- Twitter: MacIntyre 79.6%, Brandon 17.8%, Staub 2.6%
- Instagram: MacIntyre 68%, Brandon 28%, Staub 4%
With the clock ticking down to spring camp, Tennessee's quarterback race promises to be a focal point of the offseason. Whether it’s MacIntyre’s system knowledge or Brandon’s raw talent that wins out, the Volunteers are poised for an exciting season.