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KNOXVILLE – The biggest question coming into Saturday’s Orange and White game will be the same going into Fall practice: who will be Tennessee’s quarterback during the 2026 season?

Redshirt freshman George MacIntyre, true freshman Faizon Brandon and Colorado transfer junior Ryan Staub all saw action in Saturday’s event which marked the end of Spring practice for the Volunteers. Each signal-caller had multiple series on offense with Staub actually having the best numbers- 7-for-12 for 131 yards and a touchdown- even though it was against a mix of starters and back-ups as was the case with all three QB’s. MacIntyre went 15-for-21 for 104 yards and Brandon was 6-for-16 for 36 yards. All stats were unofficial.

The biggest highlight of the scrimmage was when Staub found a wide-open Carson Whitehead who got behind the defense and the former Powell Panther did the rest on a 73-yard throw and catch.

In addition to breaking in a new quarterback, the Vols will also need a new place kicker. Louisville transfer Cooper Ranvier booted through a 38-yard field goal and Josh Turbyville was true on a 37-yard attempt. Ranvier was 3-for-3 in pre-game attempts which included a 50-yarder

Javin Gordon had a nifty 61-yard run for a touchdown late in the contest that tied things up at 10-10. Turbyville tried a 47-yard field goal but it missed. Ranvier ended things when he was successful from the same distance.

“I love the growth from our group of quarterbacks, I love the way they have competed with themselves and with each other,” Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said when talking about how his three quarterbacks have progressed during Spring practice. “Each of them had a day that was less than what they had shown and they responded and came back the next day better. I like the work they have put in and where they are at.”

When asked what each quarterback could do to separate themselves, Heupel said “each of them have to be on their journey of fundamentals and mastering their technique. They have to take ownership of the scheme.”

Tennessee has installed a new defense and the UT head man reflected on how he thought they did. “We busted on that one third down where we gave up a big play early in the scrimmage and in general, that has not happened throughout the course of Spring ball. Overall, our guys have grasped what we are doing defensively, communicated at a high level and continued to get better.”

Heupel talked about special teams play as the Vols will have a new kicker in 2026. “We tried to carve out some intentional times today where all eyes were on them and put them in some pressure situations and we have done that throughout the Spring. Cooper and Josh have been really consistent in that. We will continue to fine tune that and I think the consistency of our kicking game could be very good.”

Tennessee opens the season at home against Furman on September 5.