Home / Sports / Vols QB Starter: True Freshman Makes History
Vols QB Starter: True Freshman Makes History
24 Aug
Summary
- Tennessee opens season with true freshman QB since 2004.
- Faizon Brandon, a five-star recruit, will start opener.
- This marks the first freshman QB start since 2004.

Tennessee's football team will open its season with a true freshman under center, a rarity not seen since 2004. Faizon Brandon, a highly-touted five-star recruit who enrolled in January, has been named the starting quarterback for the Vols' season opener against Furman on September 5th. This historic decision means Brandon will be the first true freshman to begin a season as Tennessee's quarterback since Brent Schaeffer did in 2004. Schaeffer's start that year was also notable, being the first true freshman to open a season in the SEC since freshman eligibility was reinstated in 1973. Brandon's selection marks a new chapter for the team, with expectations high for the promising young player.
The quarterback competition saw Brandon emerge victorious over sophomore George MacIntyre. His commitment and performance have earned him the significant responsibility of leading the offense from the very first game. This move by the coaching staff underscores their confidence in Brandon's abilities and potential to make an immediate impact. Fans are anticipating his debut as he steps into a role that has historically been significant for the program.