Two SEC programs in Tennessee may begin the season with freshman quarterbacks taking the lead. Faizon Brandon, a freshman, has been selected to start over sophomore George MacIntyre at Tennessee, ranked No. 20 in early polls. At Vanderbilt, the competition is ongoing between freshman Jared Curtis and senior Blaze Berlowitz to replace the 2025 Heisman runner-up, Diego Pavia.
Tennessee’s Quarterback Situation
Tennessee’s coach, Josh Heupel, announced Brandon’s starting role, highlighting his work and growth during training. The opportunity arose when former quarterback Joey Aguilar, who threw for 3,565 yards last season, failed to secure an extra year of eligibility. Brandon came prepared, intent on working hard and stepping up in Aguilar’s absence. In high school at Grimsley, North Carolina, Brandon amassed 6,374 passing yards, 79 touchdowns, 1,261 rushing yards, and another 21 scores. He stands tall at 6-foot-4 and was ranked as the third quarterback nationally, according to 247Sports.
Heupel expressed confidence in Brandon’s capabilities and his developmental progress. Brandon’s efforts in training were noted, ensuring him the starting role.
Vanderbilt’s Quarterback Battle
Meanwhile, Curtis is striving to establish himself at Vanderbilt. Curtis made headlines by withdrawing a verbal commitment to Georgia and signing with Vanderbilt, his hometown team, as the highest-ranked recruit ever to do so. The 247Sports composite placed Curtis as the fourth overall recruit in his class. His high school career at Nashville Christian Academy saw him achieve over 9,500 passing yards and 2,100 rushing yards. Curtis also earned Tennessee’s Gatorade Player of the Year title.
Clark Lea, Vanderbilt’s coach, praised Curtis’s arm strength and play-making capabilities while acknowledging his inconsistency during the SEC training.
The competition with Berlowitz, a former New Mexico State player who has completed 36 career passes, continues.
True Freshmen Making an Impact Nationwide
Several true freshmen across the country look set to make significant impacts. Texas wide receiver Jermaine Bishop Jr. has impressed during a scrimmage, catching the attention of coach Steve Sarkisian. Bishop, ranked 58th overall in his class, stands poised for a prominent role.
Alabama’s running game may see new life with freshmen Trae’shon Brown and EJ Crowell. Both players have strong potential, though Crowell’s ankle injury has limited his participation. Brown shows promise despite a lower initial ranking.
In Miami, Jackson Cantwell arrives as a major asset for the offensive line. A former Gatorade national player of the year, Cantwell could begin his collegiate career as a guard.
Kodi Greene from Washington is likely to start the season as their left tackle. Greene’s performance at Mater Dei in California secured his ranking as the third offensive tackle nationally.
Ohio State has high hopes for wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., the son of former NFL player Chris Henry. Highly regarded, he could step into an important role alongside Jeremiah Smith, a Heisman contender.
Michigan’s Savion Hiter entered his senior year as the top-ranked running back in his class. With impressive stats from high school, Hiter looks to play a key role, sharing duties with Jordan Marshall.