“Exclusive: No. 1 Player in America Reveals His Surprising Reasons for Choosing Tennessee Vols Football Over Florida Gators and Georgia

Faizon Brandon, the nation’s top-ranked quarterback prospect in the 2026 class, chose the Tennessee Vols over SEC rivals Alabama and LSU, with no mention of consideration for Florida Gators or Georgia. Brandon, a five-star quarterback from Greensboro, North Carolina, cited several reasons for his decision ¹ ².
Key Factors in Brandon’s Decision
Relationship Building: Brandon appreciated the relationships Tennessee’s coaching staff, particularly Head Coach Josh Heupel and Offensive Coordinator/QB Coach Joey Halzle, built with him over time. He felt these relationships were crucial in his decision-making process.
Player Development: Brandon believes the Vols know how to develop him into a great player. Heupel’s experience as a quarterback and Halzle’s expertise in coaching quarterbacks were significant factors.
Offense and System: Brandon is impressed with Tennessee’s fast-paced offense and feels he can easily adapt to the system. He has been studying the team’s plays and believes he can thrive under Heupel’s guidance.
Team Culture and Direction: Brandon is excited about the Vols’ current direction, citing the team’s recent successes and the quality of players being recruited.
Brandon’s Impression of Tennessee’s Coaching Staff
Brandon has developed strong relationships with Heupel, Halzle, and Offensive Analyst Mitch Militello. He appreciates how often they check in with him, discussing not only football but also his personal life. Brandon believes this level of care and attention sets Tennessee apart ³.
Comparison to Other Programs
While Brandon considered other top programs, he ultimately chose Tennessee due to the unique combination of factors mentioned above. Notably, Alabama and LSU were among the other schools he considered, but he felt Tennessee was the best fit ².
It’s worth noting that top-ranked players can choose various programs, and each situation is unique. For example, Cade Klubnik, a former No. 1 player, chose Penn State over Tennessee, Alabama, and Ohio State, highlighting the individual nature of these decisions ⁴.