Tennessee Opens QB Battle as Josh Heupel Declines to Name Spring Starter

Overview

• Heupel confirmed on March 16 that the competition is open and said no starter will be named this spring, with evaluation continuing through the April 11 spring game, summer work and into training camp.
• The contenders are redshirt freshman George MacIntyre, five-star freshman Faizon Brandon and Colorado transfer Ryan Staub.
• MacIntyre holds a head start from a year in the system and was first in line for quarterback drills during the portion of the first practice open to media.
• Brandon drew early notice for his 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame and prolific high-school résumé, though Heupel cautioned that a freshman learning curve is expected over the 15 spring practices.
• Staub provides the room’s only notable college experience (12 games, 681 yards, four touchdowns, four interceptions), as Tennessee proceeds with this trio following failed portal pursuits and a Feb. 20 court denial of Aguilar’s eligibility bid.