Faizon Brandon hasn’t even stepped foot on campus at Tennessee yet, but the five-star quarterback is already making an impact well beyond the football field. The Vols’ prized 2026 signee took time this week to give back to the East Tennessee community in a big way-delivering 900 toys to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital as part of his inaugural “12 Days of Christmas” toy drive.
Brandon, the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2026 class according to 247Sports, made the trip to the hospital on Friday with his parents, handing out gifts and holiday cheer to young patients. He later shared a video on his X account showing the visit, offering a glimpse into the heart behind the arm Vol Nation is so excited about.
“Vol Nation! I am proud to say 900 toys were donated to East Tennessee Children's Hospital on Friday with your help,” Brandon wrote in the post.
“Thank you for supporting our inaugural toy drive, and I cannot wait for all that is to come in Knoxville! GBO”
In the video, Brandon spoke with the kind of poise and purpose that’s made him a leader on and off the field.
“Giving kids some gifts and really just going to see them and try to cheer them up today, since the holidays are coming,” he said. “Christmas is coming up, so just giving them some gifts and try to put a smile on kids’ faces.”
That mindset didn’t come out of nowhere. Brandon credited his family for instilling the importance of giving back from a young age.
“My family, ever since I've been little, every time you had an opportunity to help somebody, they always tell me to go help them,” he said.
The toy drive was officially announced on December 5, when Brandon posted a call to action on social media, inviting fans and followers to donate toys via an Amazon link in his bio. The goal? Spread joy to kids spending the holidays in the hospital-and deliver every toy by hand.
“For the next 12 days I'm teaming up with YOU to bring joy to kids at the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital!” he wrote at the time.
“You can donate a toy by the Amazon link in my bio & I'll deliver every single one in person to patients in need of some holiday cheer! Let’s make a difference together!”
While the toy drive is the latest example of Brandon’s leadership, it’s far from the only reason Tennessee fans are so excited about him. The 6-foot-3.5, 200-pound signal-caller has been the face of the Vols’ 2026 class since his early commitment in August 2024. Even after a recent drop from No. 1 to No. 2 in the national rankings, he remains one of the most highly touted quarterback prospects to commit to Tennessee in years.
His high school résumé backs it up. Brandon led Grimsley High School to back-to-back state championships in North Carolina, including a perfect 15-0 run this season that ended with a 24-14 win over Clayton High in the 7A title game. Despite missing most of his senior regular season with a hand injury, he returned for the playoffs and didn’t miss a beat-throwing for eight touchdowns in his first two games back.
His junior year was nothing short of elite. Brandon completed 77.1% of his passes for 2,814 yards, 35 touchdowns, and just two interceptions, while also rushing for 625 yards and nine more scores. That performance earned him Gatorade Player of the Year honors in North Carolina and solidified his status as one of the top quarterback prospects in the country.
Brandon wrapped up his high school career with a stunning 35-1 record as a starter, the kind of consistency and leadership that scouts and coaches dream about. According to 247Sports’ scouting director Andrew Ivins, Brandon is a quarterback who rarely puts the ball in harm’s way and has the potential to be the kind of player who can lead a team to multiple College Football Playoff appearances-if he continues to develop as a downfield passer.
That’s the football side. But what we saw this week in Knoxville is the other side of Faizon Brandon-the leader, the giver, the young man already embracing the responsibility that comes with being the face of a major college football program.
Tennessee fans have every reason to be excited about what Brandon can do between the lines. But it’s what he’s doing outside of them, before he’s even taken a snap in orange and white, that’s already making a lasting impression.