X-FACTOR: Quarterback Faizon Brandon COULD BE Tennessee Football’s MOST Important Freshman in 2026

Tennessee Volunteers face a crucial quarterback question as Joey Aguilar’s eligibility remains uncertain for 2026—could five-star freshman Faizon Brandon be the key to next season’s success? With George MacIntyre and Brandon set for a heated QB battle, the spotlight shifts to Tennessee's young talent and how they’ll shape the Volunteers’ offensive depth chart. Eric Cain highlights the potential immediate impact of newcomers like Tristen Keys, Carter Gooden, and Tyreek King, alongside veteran leaders such as DeSean Bishop.Noah Taylor joins to revisit the beloved Vols letters atop Neyland Stadium, exploring their nostalgic impact and the push for honoring Tennessee tradition. The conversation also covers roster strengths at wide receiver, running back rotations, and the evolving offensive line landscape post-transfer portal. Can Tennessee’s freshman class power a championship run, or will long-standing traditions inspire another winning season? This episode breaks down what’s next for the Vols and what fans can expect on Rocky Top. Catch Locked on Vols, wherever you find your podcasts. ▶️https://linktr.ee/cainerSubscribe to the Locked on Vols EveryDayer Club ▶️ https://lockedonvols.supercast.com/Neyland Press Corps Substack ▶️ https://neylandpress.substack.com/For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron!  Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.   GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.MazdaLike our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.  IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast FanDuelIf you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.