In a significant moment for Tennessee football, Faizon Brandon is poised to become the youngest quarterback to start a game for the University of Tennessee. The 18th-ranked Volunteers will kick off their 2026 season against Furman on September 5, where Brandon will take the field at just 18 years, 3 months, and 4 days old.
Brandon, who enrolled at the University of Tennessee at the age of 17, was born on June 1. His early enrollment has set the stage for this historic start, as he will surpass the previous record for the youngest starting quarterback in Tennessee history. This milestone highlights not only his talent but also the confidence the coaching staff has in him as they embark on a new season.
The game against Furman is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN+/SEC Network+. As Tennessee prepares to face the Paladins, Brandon's debut is generating excitement among fans and analysts alike, as he becomes the 14th true freshman quarterback to start for the Vols.
Historically, the NCAA did not permit true freshmen to play on varsity teams before 1972. Since that rule change, 13 true freshmen have taken the helm as quarterbacks for Tennessee, and notably, all of them were older than Brandon at the time of their first starts. Typically, these young quarterbacks made their debuts later in the season, making Brandon's early start particularly remarkable.
While the ages of second-year players were not factored into this comparison, it is unlikely that any would have started as quickly after their 18th birthday as Brandon is set to do. His age and the timing of his start add to the narrative of a new era for Tennessee football.
To provide context, here is a list of Tennessee's youngest starting quarterbacks, ranked by their age at the time of their first start:
- Faizon Brandon (2026): 18 years, 3 months, 4 days
- Erik Ainge (2004): 18 years, 3 months, 20 days
- Peyton Manning (1994): 18 years, 6 months, 8 days
- Brent Schaeffer (2004): 18 years, 8 months, 0 days
- Brian Maurer (2019): 18 years, 8 months, 28 days
- Joshua Dobbs (2013): 18 years, 9 months, 7 days
- Alan Cockrell (1981): 18 years, 9 months, 14 days
- Tyler Bray (2010): 18 years, 10 months, 10 days
- Justin Worley (2011): 18 years, 11 months, 9 days
- Will McBride (2017): 19 years, 1 month, 2 days
- Harrison Bailey (2020): 19 years, 1 month, 4 days
- James Banks (2002): 19 years, 3 months, 2 days
- Nico Iamaleava (2023): 19 years, 3 months, 30 days
- Casey Clausen (2000): 19 years, 9 months, 12 days
As the Volunteers gear up for the season opener, all eyes will be on Brandon as he steps into this pivotal role, ready to make his mark in Tennessee football history.
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