Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee Vols have some new competition for their top 2026 recruiting target

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated 5/1/24

The Tennessee Vols' top 2026 recruiting target is five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon.

Brandon, 6-foot-4/195 lbs from Greensboro, NC, is rated by 247Sports as the No. 1 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class.

The Vols are in a good place for Brandon thanks to their early interest in the elite quarterback (the fact that former Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker is also from Greensboro helps, too).

From one blue-chip Greensboro quarterback to another@faizon_brandon @henhook2 pic.twitter.com/APj9fr2xwd
— Shayne Pickering (@shaynep_media) October 1, 2023

Nearly every program in the nation is pursuing Brandon, including the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Ohio State is the latest "big name" to enter the battle for Brandon, offering the elite five-star quarterback on Wednesday.

I am excited and blessed to say that I have received my 22nd D1 offer from The Ohio State University!! #AGTG @e43fitness @RecruitGrimsley @grimsleyfb @AnnaH247 @BrianDohn247 @MohrRecruiting @RivalsFriedman @ChadSimmons_ @ryandaytime @CoachRLarkin pic.twitter.com/gOzyr2XmAd
— Faizon Brandon (@faizon_brandon) May 1, 2024

Tennessee might be in a good spot for Brandon, but Ohio State could certainly emerge as a major threat in this battle. The Buckeyes have been a force on the recruiting trail for a long time. And they're showing no real signs of slowing down (even if some Ohio State fans aren't thrilled these days with head coach Ryan Day).

The good news for the Vols in their pursuit of Brandon is that the Georgia Bulldogs, who were once viewed as a threat to land the Greensboro native, are likely out of this battle after receiving a commitment from 2026 five-star quarterback Jared Curtis earlier this spring.

Tennessee is pushing all the right buttons so far in their pursuit of Brandon, but this recruiting battle is far from over. In fact, it's really just getting started.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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