Tennessee picked up a Crystal Ball prediction for class of 2026 quarterback Faizon Brandon from 247 Sports NC State Insider Michael Clark on Thursday.
The Vols now have two Crystal Ball predictions in for Brandon as 247 Sports recruiting analyst Tom Loy gave Tennessee his nod on June 5.
Brandon is 247 Sports’ No. 1 prospect and the top-ranked quarterback in the class of 2026. ESPN, On3, and Rivals all have Brandon as a four-star prospect in the class. Overall, 247’s Composite Rankings have Brandon as the No. 31 player in the nation, the No. 4 quarterback in the class, and the No. 3 player from the state of North Carolina.
Despite being a prospect in the class of 2026, Brandon’s collegiate commitment is right around the corner. The blue-chip quarterback prospect is set to announce his destination on Aug. 3, 2024, on 247 Sports’ YouTube channel. Brandon will choose between Alabama, LSU, Tennessee, and NC State.
Tennessee looks to be the trending team during Brandon’s recruitment. In addition to the two Crystal Ball predictions from 247 Sports, Tennessee is also the overwhelming favorite to land Brandon at 91.8 percent according to On3 Sports’ Recruiting Prediction Machine. While no prediction is a guarantee, it does show that Tennessee is making good progress in the battle for the blue-chip quarterback.
Brandon has been to Tennessee twice since the start of June, attending a U.T. camp on June 1 and taking an unofficial visit to Rocky Top on June 17. Brandon is also set to visit Tennessee on Saturday during a big Vols’ recruiting weekend.
“Ascending signal caller that possesses a rare blend of pocket-passer size and dual-threat athleticism to go along with a high-powered arm,” 247 Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins evaluated of Brandon. “Had as good of a sophomore season as any of the 2026 quarterbacks, ranking first in a number of key statistical categories (completion percentage, yards per attempt and turnover rate). Rhythmic as a passer, getting the ball out fast and to his playmakers. Likes to stay on schedule with his clean footwork and shows poise in the face of pressure.”
Faizon Brandon finds Jayden Petit for a TD at Future 50 😈🔥 #UANext @UANextFootball I @faizon_brandon I @JaydenPetit12 pic.twitter.com/i4yif56P6n
— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) June 29, 2024
More from RTI: Tennessee Target Lagonza “Shaedy” Hayward Announcing Commitment Saturday
Brandon possesses the traits that have proven to be successful in a Josh Heupel offense: skilled footwork, an ability to slide out of the pocket, a strong arm, and quick decision-making. Brandon not only has the arm talent to be productive at the SEC level but also has the dual-threat scrambling ability to keep defenses on their heels. Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava showed how much of an advantage that can be in this offense with three rushing touchdowns during his first start in last season’s Citrus Bowl.
The 6-foot-3.5, 197-pound quarterback recorded 3,026 passing yards, 36 passing touchdowns, 528 rushing yards, and nine rushing touchdowns during his 2023 season at Grimsley High School in Greensboro, N.C.
Faizon Brandon is one of three highly-rated prospects who are set to announce their commitments in the coming weeks with Tennessee as a finalist in each. Class of 2025 four-star safety Lagonza “Shaedy” Hayward is set to announce his decision on July 27 while 2025 five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr. will make his announcement on Aug. 17. Brandon, the lone 2026 prospect of the three, will make his decision on Aug. 3.
Stay tuned to Rocky Top Insider for more Tennessee football recruiting notes.
