COMMENTARY: Keelon Russell is exactly what Tennessee hopes for Faizon Brandon

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee recruited five-star freshman Faizon Brandon, who joined the Volunteers as the No. 3 recruit in his high school class, expectations were sky-high.

No one could have possibly predicted the disastrous beginning Brandon experienced across his first five starts, right?

Incorrect. Anyone who has ever watched college football knew that starting a true freshman in the SEC was always a recipe for complete disaster.

Considering no true freshman has succeeded in the SEC since Alabama's Jalen Hurts, the Volunteers should have known better. 

On Saturday, the Volunteers will face off against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the iconic third Saturday in October matchup.

And, taking a look at Alabama, quarterback Keelon Russell is exactly what Tennessee fans hope Faizon Brandon can develop into.

Russell, a sophomore, spent his 2025 freshman season as the backup to Ty Simpson, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

In doing so, Russell became acclimated to head coach Kalen DeBoer’s offense well before he was asked to take any meaningful snaps.

It is safe to say that Alabama’s patient approach to its young quarterback has paid off.

Alabama’s Russell-led offense has scored 45 or more points on five occasions, despite playing just six games. 

Even more impressive, though, is the fact that three of these offensive barrages came against SEC teams, two of whom are now ranked inside the Associated Press’ top 25.

Though Tennessee’s other quarterback option, George MacIntyre, is a far cry from Ty Simpson, taking a patient approach with Brandon is still smarter in the long run.

The similarities between Russell and Brandon, however, are uncanny. 

Russell, who stands at 6-foot-3, 207 pounds, was the No. 2 recruit in his high school class.

Brandon, the No. 3 recruit in his class, stands at 6-foot-4, 225 pounds. 

Both quarterbacks committed to their respective SEC programs in the summer of 2024.

Though their personal similarities are plentiful, their season statistics are nothing alike. 

On the season, Russell has completed nearly 68% of his passes for 1,599 yards, 12 touchdowns, and just two interceptions on 162 attempts.

Brandon, however, has completed 60.4% for 697 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception.

Brandon has also only faced one AP top 25 team, while Russell has squared off against three.

Perhaps more impressive is the fact that Russell’s average margin of victory in those three games against ranked opponents is 19.3 points.

If the Volunteers want Brandon to evolve into someone who has even a fraction of Keelon Russell’s impact on offense, they must remain patient with his development. 

As the old adage goes, patience is a virtue.