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Five-Star QB Reveals Why He Committed to Tennessee Over Alabama

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jordan Merritt | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 11:33 AM ET

The Alabama Crimson Tide missed out on one of the top quarterbacks in the 2026 class. Five-star-rated Faizon Brandon committed to the Tennessee Volunteers, with Kalen DeBoer's side a very close runner-up back in August of 2024.

Speaking to Tom Loy at 247Sports, Brandon revealed why he chose the Volunteers, which was a super close decision that came down to the coaches who recruited him.

"It was very close (between Tennessee and Alabama), but it just really came down to the coaches," said Brandon. "I just seemed like I had a better connection when I really looked back at it."

DeBoer and his staff pushed hard for him to be a Alabama player, and still continue to speak to him. However, Brandon's connections with the Tennessee staff looks very strong.

"Really, it was just the coaching staff. That was really the main thing, and also just all the love they showed from the start. Just having a relationship with Coach Heupel and Coach Joey (Halzle), those are two relationships, it didn't feel like I had a relationship like that anywhere else," Brandon said. "So that really played a big part in what I was looking for in my commitment."

According to 247Sports, the North Carolina native is ranked the No. 1 overall player in the 2026 class, so a big recruiting win for Josh Heupel and the Volunteers. With QB Nico Iamaleava's departure to the transfer portal this off-season, there is a chance that Brandon could start as a true freshman. However, with several months left before National Signing Day, Alabama will still be trying to persuade him to flip.

Kalen DeBoer has a 2026 quarterback committed in four-star Jett Thomalla. They also have chips in for another four-star QB in Matt Ponatoski, with the team keeping their options open.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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