Tennessee QB Faizon Brandon has a chance to play vs. Alabama

Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Tennessee QB Faizon Brandon has a chance to play vs. Alabama

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Oct 13, 2026 8:33 PM ET

The Tennessee Volunteers may be closer to getting starting quarterback Faizon Brandon back, and the timing couldn't be better.

It's not guaranteed, of course. In fact, the reports say that Brandon's status as he tries to work his way back from a shoulder injury is ambiguous.

Tennessee rolled with freshman George MacIntyre in its 24-17 win over the Arkansas Razorbacks in Week 6.

MacIntyre is taking reps with the first team in practice, but per ESPN's Pete Thamel, Brandon is seeing "an uptick" in practice reps as well.

"As for Tennessee at quarterback, there's some ambiguity here going forward this week," Thamel said on "College Football Live" (h/t Craig Smith of SB Nation ). "George MacIntyre, his first career start at Arkansas last week. Obviously had his ups and downs. I've been told by sources that Faizon Brandon has experienced an uptick in practice reps this week."

Also from College Football Live, there’s been an uptick in practice reps for Faizon Brandon this week. He’s been dealing with a shoulder injury. No clarity yet on a starter against Alabama for the Vols. pic.twitter.com/STAdtQPLrf
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 13, 2026

MacIntyre led Tennessee to the win over the Razorbacks, but it is fair to say that he had an uneven performance. The former four-star recruit from Brentwood, Tennessee, completed just 18-of-29 passes for one touchdown, and he threw two interceptions.

Tennessee QB Faizon Brandon increasing reps in practice

Brandon is one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC when healthy, so Tennessee would like to get him back.

Interestingly, Thamel believes both Vols quarterbacks could play in this upcoming game, which is a huge one. Up next on the docket for Tennessee is No. 6 Alabama, fresh off its first loss of the season.

"No decision is imminent on who will start in this game, but Faizon Brandon's availability, coming off that shoulder injury against Texas, appears to give him a better shot at getting some snaps in this game. We may end up seeing both quarterbacks for now, but there's no clarity yet on who will be the starter," Thamel said.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

More must-reads: