Why George MacIntyre is starting QB for Tennessee instead of Faizon Brandon

Why George MacIntyre is starting QB for Tennessee instead of Faizon Brandon originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Tennessee has a huge SEC matchup this week against Alabama, but the Volunteers are not fully healthy.

Backup quarterback George MacIntyre is set to make his second straight start for Tennessee in place of Faizon Brandon, who hasn't finished a game since September 26. Brandon is dealing with a shoulder issue, which has impacted his production early in his first collegiate season.

MacIntyre has thus far filled in nicely for Brandon, but the Alabama defense represents another difficulty level that the quarterback has yet to face. This is a key game for Tennessee, which already has one loss on the year but is still hoping to stay in the College Football Playoff mix.

Here's why Tennessee is turning to George MacIntyre against the Crimson Tide.

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Why is George MacIntyre starting for Tennessee?

MacIntyre is getting his second straight start for an injured Faizon Brandon, who has a shoulder injury and was questionable for this game. MacIntyre has played in five games so far this season, but he played a prominent role in Tennessee's last two wins over Auburn and Arkansas.

MacIntyre relieved Brandon against Auburn two weeks ago, helping lead the Volunteers to a win while the run game carried the day. Then, MacIntyre got his first start last week against Arkansas, throwing for 247 yards and a touchdown in a seven-point road win.

Head coach Josh Heupel was very complimentary of MacIntyre when he discussed why he will get the start against Alabama.

"I thought he was decisive with the football," Heupel said. "He was going to the right spot. Made some plays. Did some things inside of the pocket that were really positive. You know the third down, makes a guy miss, keeps his eyes down the football field."

MacIntyre did throw two interceptions last week, but Heupel conceded that the entire offense needed to be better at protecting the football.

After the game, Heupel made it clear that MacIntyre was starting only because Brandon is not healthy.

Faizon Brandon was one of the last players to leave the field at Arkansas, celebrating and taking pictures with fans after the game. I asked how Faizon has handled getting benched, and Coach Heupel made sure to clarify Brandon is not starting because he's not healthy #Vols https://t.co/8FVpnEUMNy

— Sam Granville (@samgranvilletv) October 12, 2026

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Is Faizon Brandon injured?

Brandon is battling a shoulder injury that he's been dealing with since the start of SEC play, when he suffered the injury against Texas.

Brandon tried to play through the injury the following week against Auburn, but MacIntyre finished the game as the Volunteers beat Auburn. Then, MacIntyre got the start in Tennessee's last week against Arkansas, as Brandon missed the entire game.

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Faizon Brandon's true freshman struggles

In his first collegiate season, Faizon Brandon has dealt with his fair share of growing pains as the Tennessee starter. Brandon has thrown for over 200 yards in just one game in 2026, which came in his first game vs. Furman.

Brandon really got a rude awakening to SEC football with his first conference game coming against Texas. Brandon got injured that game but played through it to throw for just 145 yards. He hasn't been able to play a full game since.