Tennessee Lands Elite Football Recruit for 2026

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The University of Tennessee stayed hot on the recruiting trail on Saturday. Faizon Brandon, the number one player in the class of 2026, committed to the Vols. His commitment continued the momentum for Tennessee over the last several weeks and gave them a massive building block for that class. 

As they continue to build on to their current top ten class for 2025, Tennessee is off to a great start for 2026. Faizon Brandon gives the Vols their fourth straight class with a highly ranked quarterback. Nico Iamaleava was a five star recruit in 2023, Jake Merklinger was a highly regarded four star in 2024, and George McIntyre is a borderline five star for the 2025 class.

Tennessee Lands Top Recruit in 2026

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While the Vols are currently trying to wrap up their 2025 class, they have also secured their first commitment for 2026. Faizon Brandon, out of Greensboro, North Carolina became Tennessee’s foundational recruit on Saturday. Josh Heupel and his staff have been on fire as of late.

Currently ranked the number one overall player for 2026 by 247Sports, Brandon had a personal connection with Tennessee. He had spent time in the past training with Hendon Hooker’s father. Hooker, a former Tennessee quarterback, led the Vols to their first number one ranking since 1998 during the 2022 season. 

Faizon Brandon as a Recruit

Brandon led Grimsley High School to a 13-1 record in 2023. He completed 69% of his passes for 3,026 yards and 36 touchdowns, while only throwing three interceptions. He showed off his dual threat ability with 528 yards rushing and nine touchdowns.

247Sports’ Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins compared him to Seattle Seahawks’ QB Geno Smith. His scouting report details what Tennessee will receive in Faizon Brandon.

Ascending signal caller that possesses a rare blend of pocket-passer size and dual-threat athleticism to go along with a high-powered arm. Had as good of a sophomore season as any of the 2026 quarterbacks, ranking first in a number of key statistical categories (completion percentage, yards per attempt, and turnover rate). Rhythmic as a passer, getting the ball out fast and to his playmakers. Likes to stay on schedule with his clean footwork and shows poise in the face of pressure.

Accurate to the numbers, and has found plenty of success attacking the intermediate level, but deep ball placement can be a bit uneven. Effective on designed runs with his acceleration and his natural twitch in both the upper and lower halves is ideal for run-pass options. Certainly benefited from throwing to a pair of Power Four wide receivers in his first year as a starter, but game tape shows a potential game-breaker at the next level that’s just starting to scratch the surface of what he could be, especially when you factor that he’s younger for the grade.”

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