Tennessee football is gearing up for an exciting new chapter as they prepare to introduce a fresh face at quarterback for the 2026 season. With Joey Aguilar's request for a preliminary injunction denied, the Vols are diving into a competitive quarterback battle this offseason under the guidance of head coach Josh Heupel.
The contenders vying for the starting role are George MacIntyre, Faizon Brandon, and Ryan Staub. MacIntyre stands out as the only one with experience in Tennessee's system, having served as the third-string quarterback last year during his true freshman season.
MacIntyre's brief stint on the field saw him completing seven of nine passes for a total of 69 yards, maintaining a clean sheet with no touchdowns or interceptions. His performance against ETSU was particularly noteworthy, going 6-for-7 for 52 yards, while he added another 17 yards against New Mexico State.
A highly-touted recruit from the 2025 class, MacIntyre was ranked as the No. 151 player nationally and the No. 13 quarterback according to 247 Composite. Hailing from Brentwood Academy, his potential was evident early on.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 195 pounds, MacIntyre might need to bulk up if he secures the starting position. For context, Nico Iamaleava, another 6-foot-6 quarterback from UT, weighed in at 215 pounds, which was still considered light.
MacIntyre's primary competition comes from Faizon Brandon, a former five-star prospect entering his true freshman year. Brandon was a standout in the 2026 class, ranked as the No. 3 player nationally by 247.
Adding to the mix is Ryan Staub, who brings the most college experience to the table. Entering his redshirt-junior year, Staub transferred from Colorado, where he appeared in 10 games and started once, though he struggled to find consistent success.
As the Vols navigate this quarterback showdown, fans can expect an intriguing battle that promises to shape the future of Tennessee football.