Overview
- The SEC student‑athlete availability report released Wednesday listed freshman Faizon Brandon as questionable for Tennessee’s Oct. 17 game at Neyland Stadium.
- ESPN’s Pete Thamel and multiple local outlets reported on Thursday that George MacIntyre will start his second straight game for Tennessee against Alabama.
- Coach Josh Heupel declined to publicly name a starter earlier in the week and said Brandon has been limited in practice while staying involved in meetings and serving as an emergency option.
- MacIntyre made his first career start last week at Arkansas, completing 18 of 29 passes for 247 yards and one touchdown while committing multiple turnovers that coaches want cleaned up.
- The SEC report can be updated daily with a final list 90 minutes before kickoff, so Tennessee’s game plan and short‑term SEC positioning hinge on any late change to Brandon’s status.