Former Tennessee quarterback Jarrett Guarantano is buying stock in the Vols’ next potential quarterback star.
Guarantano tweeted out high praise for Tennessee five-star quarterback commit Faizon Brandon after an impressive showing in the Elite 11 competition finals on Tuesday night in Southern California.
“Faizon Brandon is THE real deal,” Guarantano posted to X on Wednesday. “With a really good supporting cast & Coach Heupel’s ability to coach offense, endless potential. Obviously a lot must happen within a quarterback’s development, but his talent is immense. Also, might have one of the flyest first names. #Vols #GBO”
Faizon Brandon is THE real deal. With a really good supporting cast & Coach Heupel’s ability to coach Offense, endless potential. Obviously a lot must happen within a Quarterback’s development, but his talent is immense. Also, might be one of the flyest first names. #Vols #GBO
— Jarrett Guarantano✞ (@JayGuarantano) June 18, 2025
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On3 Sports declared Brandon the third-best performer on the opening day of the Elite 11 finals after an impressive performance on the practice field. The Tennessee commit won the “Rail Challenge” event, which is a sharp 20-25 yard throw down the sideline to emulate beating a Cover 2 defense. While the video highlights that came out are just skeleton passes against an invisible defense, there’s plenty to take from the young quarterback’s skillset before he arrives in Knoxville with the next recruiting class.
“Faizon Brandon is clearly one of the most talented Elite 11 Finalists,” On3’s Charles Power wrote on Wednesday. “At 6-foot-3.5, 200 pounds with a live arm and strong movement skills, he passes the initial eye test with flying colors. Brandon’s velocity caught our eye early on in the workout. He has plus arm strength and showed the ability to make some difficult out-breaking throws on a line. The Tennessee pledge went throw-for-throw with Texas commit Dia Bell (On3’s Day 1 MVP) while working in the same group.”
5-star Tennessee commit Faizon Brandon wins the @Elite11 Rail Shot Challenge 🎯
Check out every throw on his way to victory. 5-star for a reason‼️@faizon_brandon pic.twitter.com/bjyrMQrXeG
— Billy Tucker (@TheUCReport) June 18, 2025
The North Carolina quarterback is a five-star prospect and is widely looked at as one of the top prospects in the nation, especially depending on which recruiting service you’re looking at. 247Sports, for instance, has Brandon as its No. 1 overall prospect in the entire 2026 cycle. Brandon led Grimsley High School to the North Carolina state championship during his junior season and is only getting better before he arrives in Knoxville in the near future.
Stay tuned to Rocky Top Insider for more highlights and notes from Brandon’s run at the Elite 11 finals this week in Southern California.
