MacIntyre, a former four-star recruit who has been in coach Josh Heupel's system for a year, may have a slight edge over five-star prospect Brandon, who enrolled at UT in January. Ryan Staub, a Colorado transfer, serves as the darkhorse candidate in the three-man competition that begins with spring practice on March 16. Aguilar, who led the SEC with 3,565 passing yards in 2025, had his request for a preliminary injunction denied by Chancellor Chris Heagerty on Feb. 20.
Tennessee QB Battle: MacIntyre vs. Brandon After Aguilar Ineligible
Tennessee football will have its fifth different starting quarterback in five seasons after Joey Aguilar was denied an additional year of eligibility, setting up a spring battle between George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon.