Overview
- Coach Josh Heupel declined to name a starter for Saturday’s trip to Arkansas and said the choice will be made during the week.
- Faizon Brandon has acknowledged a right-shoulder issue from the Texas game that Heupel says affected his play and led to a second-quarter benching in Tennessee’s Oct. 3 win over Auburn.
- George MacIntyre relieved Brandon against Auburn, completing 8-of-10 passes for 86 yards, and has begun receiving first-team reps in practice.
- Tennessee opened as a 13.5-point favorite over a 2-3 Arkansas team, giving Heupel a lower-risk chance to evaluate the quarterback spot before a high-profile home game with Alabama.
- The decision carries roster consequences in the NIL and transfer-portal era because continued uncertainty or a change could prompt one of the young quarterbacks to seek playing time elsewhere.