Tennessee benches Faizon Brandon after brutal start vs. Auburn

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The Tennessee Volunteers battled the Auburn Tigers at Neyland Stadium without star defensive back Qua Moss. Coach Josh Heupel called out his team, including starting true freshman QB Faizon Brandon, ahead of the game.

Brandon did not live up to his coach’s expectations, failing to move his team down the field and throwing an interception which got him benched for backup George MacIntyre.

“No. 17 Tennessee has benched starting true freshman QB Faizon Brandon vs. Auburn. Brandon was replaced by George MacIntyre after having zero passing yards and a INT close to the end of the first half,” Yahoo Sports wrote.

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No. 17 Tennessee has benched starting true freshman QB Faizon Brandon vs. Auburn.

Brandon was replaced by George MacIntyre after having zero passing yards and a INT close to the end of the first half. pic.twitter.com/AbeCS460pr

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) October 3, 2026

The lead-up to Week 5’s game included the arrest of an Auburn staffer accused of leaking recruiting information. Auburn showed up hoping to put off-field issues to rest as they played their hearts out against the Volunteers.

MacIntyre helped stabilize the situation for coach Heupel’s team as he completed 7-of-8 passes for 82 yards as of early in the fourth quarter with the Vols clinging to a 17-14 lead. Running back DeSean Bishop continued to get healthier and to become more productive as he led the way with 24 carries, 170 yards and two touchdowns early in the fourth quarter.

Heupel’s team was 3-1 heading into the game and needing a home win in the worst way to maintain position in the College Football Playoff chase. Coach Alex Golesh’s Tigers were also 3-1 heading into the game and gave Tennessee all it could handle headed toward the game’s final fourth quarter stretch.

Brandon still has a bright future with the Volunteers, but Heupel followed through and made a switch in hopes of rallying his team. MacIntyre and the Volunteers continued to fight as the game entered its crucial final stretch with playoff positioning on the line.

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