Why Faizon Brandon passed George MacIntyre talking about the Tennessee QB

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Why Faizon Brandon passed George MacIntyre talking about the Tennessee QB

Did Faizon Brandon lead George MacIntyre in the Tennessee quarterback competition a month after spring practice? Or is this an offseason talking point getting out of hand?

Since mid-May, Brandon has gained momentum among Tennessee football fans on social media and even in some traditional media. It raises the question of what has changed in the QB battle that coach Josh Heupel said is open until at least preseason practice in August.

In this podcast episode of “The Volunteer State,” hit writer Adam Sparks and columnist John Adams discuss how this issue was developed, and try to separate reality from perception. And, they’re expanding on the work Josh Elander did in his first season as Tennessee’s head baseball coach.

To hear the full interview, listen to the 52-minute podcast. Here are a few highlights.

Why Faizon Brandon’s track record is better than George MacIntyre’s

Brandon, a five-star recruit, impressed UT coaches in spring practice, but also understandably made rookie mistakes. MacIntyre, a redshirt freshman, had his ups and downs. The perceived gap between them appeared to be narrowing and perhaps disappearing in spring practice.

So why do some fans believe Brandon still has work in hand? Sparks described how several of the reporters’ comments were raised and repeated without significant context. That’s the predictable pattern of most college football headlines in the offseason.

That being said, there is some truth to Brandon being considered the leader in the quarterback competition. He may not be there yet, but his track record indicates that it is finally happening. However, Brandon must continue to improve to take the job, or MacIntyre may face a challenge to contain his momentum.

Either possibility is on the table as UT players begin summer workouts. But the competition is still open.

How Tennessee quarterbacks compare to 2026 opponents

Sparks and Adams compared Tennessee’s quarterback situation to its 2026 contenders, at least from a preseason perspective.

They agree that Texas’ Arch Manning, Auburn’s Byrum Brown, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, LSU’s Sam Leavitt and Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed are better than UT’s quarterback options.

Alabama’s competition between Keelon Russell and Austin Mack is nothing like Tennessee’s. Georgia Tech’s Alberto Mendoza, younger brother of Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, is an interesting Week 2 matchup.

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See the Tennessee Orange and White game, from the Vol Walk to the field

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel during the Vol Walk before the Orange and White game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, April 11, 2026.

Fans wait for the Vol Walk before the Orange and White game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, on April 11, 2026.

Fans wait for players to arrive during the Vol Walk before the Orange and White game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, on April 11, 2026.

Players walk through the Vol Walk before the Orange and White game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, on April 11, 2026.

Smokey greets family during the Vol Walk, before the Orange and White game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, on April 11, 2026.

A volunteer raises the Power T flag during the Vol Walk before the Orange and White game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, on April 11, 2026.

The Pride of the Southland Band performs during the Vol Walk before the Orange and White game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, on April 11, 2026.

right, VFL Alontae Taylor walks through the Vol Walk before the Orange and White game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, April 11, 2026.

Players crowd the field after the Vol Walk before the Orange and White game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, April 11, 2026.

A young fan asks Smokey to sign his football during the Vol Walk before the Orange and White game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, April 11, 2026.

Tennessee’s DeSean Bishop (18) greets fans during the Vol Walk before the Orange and White game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, on April 11, 2026.

David Sanders Jr. walks during the Vol Walk before the Orange and White game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, on April 11, 2026.

Players sign autographs during the Vol Walk before the Orange and White game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, on April 11, 2026.

A young fan tries to score high points during the Vol Walk before the Orange and White game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, April 11, 2026.

Can Josh Elander get Tennessee baseball to Omaha, finally?

The podcast shifts to Tennessee baseball, which has generated a lot of optimism for the postseason surge.

The Vols have a top-30 RPI, a top-25 ranking and a 12-10 record in Quad 1 games. That includes back-to-back wins over projected NCAA regional champions Texas, Alabama and Mississippi State.

Adams said UT’s pitching staff is shaky, but he doesn’t blame Elander for that weakness. Sparks gives Elander some responsibility for mismanaging the bullpen, especially early in the season.

They agree that Elander is the right coach to finally get Tennessee back to the College World Series. He grew as a head coach in his first season in that role.

Adams said Elander already has a successful season because UT is going to the NCAA tournament. Sparks said fans will determine whether the season is a pass or a fail by looking at how deep the Vols go in the postseason.

To hear that full interview, listen to the podcast.

Adam Sparks is a Tennessee football reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing to knoxnews.com/subscribe.

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This article first appeared in the Knoxville News Sentinel: Faizon Brandon vs George MacIntyre, early talk in Tennessee QB competition