Tennessee football is set to have a three-man race for its starting quarterback job in 2026. The battle will be between George MacIntyre, Faizon Brandon and Ryan Staub, each possessing qualifying traits and question marks.
This comes after the Vols’ 2025 starter, Joey Aguilar, was not granted his request for a preliminary injunction on Friday. A week after his hearing, in which Aguilar and the NCAA’s representatives made their cases to Judge Chris Heagerty, he declined the request.
Now, Aguilar will turn his attention to beginning his pro career. He will take part in the NFL Scouting Combine next week as he looks to work his way onto the radar of NFL teams.
More From RTI: Former Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar at Vols Baseball Game Shortly After Eligibility Ruling
When spring camp begins on March 16, MacIntyre, Brandon and Staub will begin their race for the starting gig. Here is each option’s resume heading into the battle.
George MacIntyre
- Info
- Height – 6-6
- Weight – 195
- Class – R-Freshman
- Hometown – Franklin, Tenn.
- High School – Brentwood Academy
- Career
- 2025 – Tennessee
- 2 games
- 7/9
- 69 yards
- 2025 – Tennessee
- Pros
- One year in the system
- Highly-rated recruit (4-star, No. 12 QB and No. 100 overall [On3])
- Cons
- Little in-game experience
- Needs to continue to put on weight
Faizon Brandon
- Info
- Height – 6-4
- Weight – 206
- Class – Freshman
- Hometown – Greensboro, N.C.
- High School – Grimsley
- Career
- N/a
- Pros
- Highly-rated recruit (5-star, No. 3 QB and No. 3 overall [247])
- Cons
- No college experience
- Missed part of senior year of high school with an injury
Ryan Staub
- Info
- Height – 6-1
- Weight – 200
- Class – R-Junior
- Hometown – Stevenson Ranch, Calif.
- High School – West Ranch
- Career
- 2025 – Colorado
- 4 games, 1 start
- 30/55
- 427 yards
- 3 TD
- 4 INT
- 2024 – Colorado
- 3 games
- 0/3
- 2023 – Colorado
- 3 games
- 23/40
- 254 yards
- 1 TD
- 2025 – Colorado
- Pros
- Most college experience
- Cons
- Yet to have consistent success
- Was turnover-prone in 2025
