Tennessee Quarterback Commit Faizon Brandon Loses Five-Star Ranking as On3 and Rivals Reevaluate 2025 Recruiting Class Projections
The Tennessee Volunteers’ 2025 recruiting class took an unexpected jolt recently when quarterback commit Faizon Brandon, once heralded as one of the crown jewels of the class, was stripped of his five-star status by both On3 and Rivals. The decision, coming amid updated national rankings, immediately sparked conversation across recruiting circles, Vol Nation, and college football media. While Brandon remains a highly respected prospect and a key part of Tennessee’s future plans, the change in ranking brings new questions, new motivation, and perhaps, new pressure.
Brandon, a standout dual-threat quarterback from North Carolina, committed to Tennessee earlier in the year to much fanfare. A consensus top-10 quarterback in the 2025 cycle, he had earned five-star ratings from multiple services, drawing comparisons to modern college football stars for his arm talent, athleticism, and ability to create outside the pocket. Tennessee fans saw him as a perfect fit for head coach Josh Heupel’s aggressive, up-tempo offensive system—someone who could follow in the footsteps of Hendon Hooker and Nico Iamaleava and carry the Vols’ high-powered offense into the future.
But recruiting evaluations are fluid, especially in today’s digital and data-driven age. With more camps, in-person evaluations, and 7-on-7 tournaments happening year-round, analysts are constantly reviewing tape and measuring progress. And in the eyes of On3 and Rivals, Brandon’s most recent performances, both in camp settings and during his junior year film reviews, did not quite meet the threshold to maintain his five-star rating.
The updated rankings saw Brandon fall out of the top 30 overall national players and drop behind several other quarterbacks in his class. While he remains ranked within the top 100—and is still a four-star by all major outlets—the loss of the five-star status changes the perception around his trajectory, at least in recruiting media circles.
So what drove the drop?
According to reports from both Rivals and On3, the change wasn’t about a single bad game or glaring deficiency, but rather a reevaluation of other prospects who had surged ahead. Several quarterbacks in the 2025 class—including LSU commit Bryce Underwood and Georgia target Julian Lewis—have shown more polish, consistency, and ceiling in recent showcases. Meanwhile, Brandon’s performances, while still impressive in many areas, raised questions about his throwing mechanics under pressure and ability to process complex defensive schemes.
Analysts noted that Brandon has elite traits—namely, his size, mobility, and arm strength—but they also emphasized the need for more consistent decision-making, ball placement, and growth against top-tier competition. It’s not uncommon for quarterbacks to see their rankings fluctuate between junior and senior years, especially when other elite signal-callers begin to separate themselves through advanced development or national exposure.
For Tennessee, the shift does not appear to have changed their internal evaluation of Brandon. Sources close to the program remain confident in his long-term potential and fit within Heupel’s offensive system. In fact, many within the program believe the ranking drop may fuel Brandon’s competitive fire, pushing him to silence doubters and prove he belongs among the nation’s elite quarterbacks.
From a recruiting momentum standpoint, it’s important to recognize that star ratings are only one piece of the puzzle. While five-star designations help in terms of optics and national buzz, Tennessee’s coaching staff focuses more on system fit, work ethic, and upside than on third-party rankings. Heupel and his staff have already proven they can identify and develop talent, with Hooker’s Heisman-caliber season in 2022 and the ongoing development of Iamaleava serving as evidence.
Brandon’s response to the ranking news has been measured and mature. In a recent social media post, he thanked his supporters and emphasized his commitment to Tennessee, saying, “Stars come and go, but real ones put the work in. Still locked in with the Vols. Let’s get to it.” That message, while brief, resonated with Tennessee fans and coaches alike, showcasing his poise and leadership—traits far more important than any recruiting badge.
Still, perception matters. Losing a five-star can have ripple effects in the recruiting world, particularly when it comes to peer recruiting. Brandon has been an active recruiter for Tennessee, helping to court other top offensive talents and building bonds with skill players across the country. While most top prospects will still view Tennessee as an attractive destination, some may take notice of Brandon’s revised ranking and evaluate the offensive vision accordingly.
That said, Heupel’s track record continues to carry weight. His system has proven results, and Tennessee’s explosive offense has become one of the most exciting in the SEC. Even without Brandon holding a five-star title, his skill set and dual-threat ability remain tailor-made for what the Vols want to do: stretch the field vertically, play fast, and create mismatches with mobile quarterbacks.
Another factor working in Tennessee’s favor is continuity. Offensive coordinator Joey Halzle and quarterbacks coach Mitch Militello have been consistent voices in Brandon’s recruitment, building trust and a shared understanding of the system he’ll eventually step into. That continuity provides Brandon with a development pathway that doesn’t rely solely on external rankings, but rather on long-term growth and execution.
For Tennessee fans, it’s worth remembering that star ratings, while helpful benchmarks, do not determine a player’s success. Players like Joe Burrow, Mac Jones, and even Hendon Hooker himself weren’t five-stars but blossomed into elite quarterbacks through coaching, opportunity, and perseverance. Conversely, countless five-star quarterbacks have failed to meet expectations. The position is as much about mental fortitude, adaptability, and film study as it is about raw talent—and Brandon has shown flashes of all three.
Looking ahead, Brandon’s senior season will offer a critical opportunity to reclaim national momentum. He’ll have the chance to lead his high school team deep into the playoffs, participate in national all-star games, and potentially climb back into five-star territory with improved mechanics and in-game production. A strong fall could quiet the doubters, reinforce Tennessee’s decision, and prove that this rankings drop was only a minor detour on the path to college stardom.
The Vols, meanwhile, continue to build a strong 2025 class around Brandon. Even without the five-star label, he remains a centerpiece in their recruiting strategy—a player with tools, toughness, and a high ceiling. Tennessee’s vision for Brandon hasn’t wavered, and neither has the quarterback’s commitment to Rocky Top.
In the grand scheme, rankings will always fluctuate. What doesn’t change is culture, development, and fit. Tennessee sees Brandon as their future leader under center, and all indications suggest they will continue to build around him, regardless of how recruiting services view him today.
Ultimately, Faizon Brandon’s story is still being written. Whether as a five-star, four-star, or unranked underdog, the quarterback’s journey to Knoxville is about much more than a number next to his name. It’s about potential, progress, and the work he puts in from now until his first snap in Neyland Stadium. If anything, the recent rankings shake-up might be the perfect fuel for a quarterback ready to prove that stars don’t define greatness—grit does.
Got it! If you’d like more updates on Tennessee recruiting or in-depth features on specific players or games, just let me know.
