With Joey Aguilar's eligibility officially in the past, Tennessee is gearing up for another quarterback showdown as they prepare for the 2026 season. The Vols are on the hunt for their fifth starting quarterback in as many years, setting the stage for a true competition this fall.
The contenders? Redshirt freshman George MacIntyre, promising true freshman Faizon Brandon, and Colorado transfer Ryan Staub.
While MacIntyre had limited action last season, and Brandon is new to college play, both bring impressive credentials. Staub, meanwhile, arrives with experience from Deion Sanders' squad, adding an intriguing dynamic to the mix.
Chris Low from On3 weighed in on the situation during Sunday night’s episode of The RTI Low-Down, highlighting the significance of this quarterback battle for Tennessee. “MacIntyre and Brandon were top priorities for Tennessee,” Low noted.
“These aren’t fallback options. The Vols invested heavily in these quarterbacks, both financially and strategically.
Now, it’s time to see who rises to the occasion.”
Winning the starting job at Tennessee involves more than just skill. It requires the right fit for Josh Heupel’s system and the ability to win over the locker room. Aguilar's leadership last season set a high bar, showcasing the importance of earning teammates' trust.
“You’ve got to win the locker room,” Low emphasized. “Players will know who gives them the best chance to win.
With Aguilar’s situation resolved, the focus shifts entirely to the new contenders. It’s about evaluating if these recruits live up to expectations and how they handle the pressure.”
As Tennessee moves past the Aguilar chapter, they face the unique challenge of choosing between two freshmen and a transfer. This decision will shape not only the upcoming season but the program’s future. The first glimpse of this quarterback battle kicks off at spring training camp on March 16.
Stay tuned for more insights from Chris Low and Bob Baskerville on Tennessee’s quarterback race and the implications of the Aguilar ruling.