With the second quarterback controversy of the season in full swing for the Tennessee Volunteers, now is an opportune time to explore both of the Volunteers’ quarterback options moving forward.

It goes without saying that neither Faizon Brandon nor George MacIntyre is capable of helping the Volunteers truly compete for a national championship.

I believe, however, that Tennessee can remain competitive throughout the remainder of SEC play with either of its quarterbacks. 

Pro No. 1: Potential

The most obvious benefit to the true freshman quarterback is his undeniable potential. 

The five-star quarterback joined the Volunteers as the No. 3-ranked quarterback in his class, setting sky-high expectations that were always unfair for an 18-year-old just three months removed from high school. 

If Brandon can build confidence and repair trust with head coach Josh Heupel, there is a real possibility that he is still the answer at quarterback for Tennessee moving forward. 

After being benched against Auburn, however, doing so remains a tall task.

Pro No. 2: Getting the struggles out of the way

Playing Brandon not only allows him to get acclimated to the SEC, but also sets the Volunteers up beautifully for the 2027 season.

Ending Brandon’s season would only delay his struggles until next season, which the Volunteers simply cannot afford with several key offensive players likely departing for the NFL draft following the 2027 season.

If the Volunteers allow Brandon to struggle through the rest of the season, they would undoubtedly be punting the season away.

Mortgaging this season (which has already been ravaged by injuries) for the team’s future, however, may not be the worst decision for Heupel.

Con No. 1: Complete lack of pocket awareness

If the Volunteers stick with Brandon moving forward, their young quarterback will continue to take unnecessary hits behind an injury-prone offensive line.

Brandon was sacked 10 times against Texas, largely due to his hesitancy in the pocket.

Leaving Brandon under center not only punts Tennessee’s season away, but also risks further injury to its young quarterback.

Con No. 2: Brandon’s struggles could cost Tennessee its other offensive weapons

If the team’s first two conference games are any indication, Brandon’s performance has little chance of encouraging top receivers like Braylon Staley, T.K. Keys, and Mike Matthews to stick around beyond the 2026 season.

If the Volunteers’ receivers want any chance of being highly touted NFL draft prospects, moving forward with a quarterback averaging 3.9 yards per pass attempt in conference play is counterproductive.

If Brandon is named the starter for the rest of the season, expect Tennessee to lose key offensive weapons in the 2027 transfer portal.

Pro No. 1: Obvious win-now potential

After spending a year learning from former Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar, MacIntyre remains prepared to run the Heupel offense effectively.

That showed on Saturday, as MacIntyre went 8 of 10 for 86 yards, leading the Tennessee offense to 21 second-half points.

While MacIntyre’s ceiling falls well short of Brandon’s, his floor is significantly higher.

It also goes without saying that his pocket awareness and patience significantly trump those of Brandon.

If the Volunteers move forward with MacIntyre, they drastically improve their chances of making a second College Football Playoff appearance in the past three seasons.

Pro No. 2: Tennessee’s offense becomes significantly less predictable

If MacIntyre were to be named the starter, life would become easier for everyone on the Tennessee offense. 

The Volunteers would be significantly less predictable, simply because of MacIntyre’s ability to move the ball downfield.

With Brandon under center, the passing game was non-existent, and opposing defenses, therefore, were not forced to consider it.

While leaning on the run will work for Tennessee against the likes of Auburn and Arkansas, they will eventually be forced to open up the offense, as exhibited (unsuccessfully) in the loss against Texas.

Though MacIntyre is well short of the next Peyton Manning, he is far superior to Brandon as a pocket passer, and poses a threat that opposing defenses will be forced to address.

Con No. 1: The significant risk of losing Brandon

Starting MacIntyre hardly comes without consequences, however, as the Volunteers would almost certainly lose Brandon to the transfer portal if they were to move forward with the Franklin, Tenn. native.

This could result in a tremendous domino effect, costing Tennessee high-profile recruits for years to come. 

Therefore, Heupel’s decision will likely come down to whether or not he considers the Volunteers playoff contenders this season.

Con No. 2: Inconsistency breeds disaster

If the Volunteers move forward with MacIntyre, they will be forced to commit to him for the rest of the season.

Even if MacIntyre performs poorly, making regular mid-season quarterback changes is a recipe for disaster that Heupel should not even consider implementing.

If MacIntyre is disastrous, therefore, so is the Volunteers’ season.

So, who should start for Tennessee? Let us know in the comments below.

My final verdict: George MacIntyre