Recruiting insider explains prediction for Tennessee to land 2026 5-star QB Faizon Brandon

Eyes are already turning to recruiting at the quarterback position in the 2026 cycle. Greensboro (N.C.) Grimsley five-star Faizon Brandon is currently a top-10 prospect and the No. 2 junior gunslinger in the nation.

While his recruitment appears to be far from over, Brandon is already beginning to trend to an SEC program. Earlier this week, On3 VP of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong logged a prediction in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine in favor of Tennessee landing the coveted signal-caller.

Brandon returned to Knoxville last weekend for his second visit this year. Josh Heupel and Co. have already built rock-solid relationships with him and his family and look to be in good position heading into the summer. Wiltfong sees Tennessee as the current frontrunner for the No. 9 overall recruit.

“Ever since Tennessee offered Faizon Brandon back in June of 2023, they’ve kind of been setting the tone in this recruitment with the effort that they’ve put in on the trail, from Coach (Joey) Halzle all the way to Coach Heupel. He’s made it to Knoxville several times, including over the weekend where he celebrated his birthday throwing at camp at Tennessee,” Wiltfong said on ‘The Inside Scoop’.

“I talked to both Faizon and his mom, Faizon talked about the experience being very personable and they make it feel at home every time he’s there. His big takeaway was getting coached by Coach Halzle during the camp, he felt like he got good feedback on every rep.”

Could commitment come soon for Brandon?

While predictions are starting to roll on, Wiltfong isn’t advising Rocky Top to be on Brandon commitment watch for the time being. There’s still visits to be taken and plenty of time for other contenders to properly emerge.

Upcoming visits for Brandon include Florida State (June 9), LSU (June 15), Alabama (June 22) and Penn State (July 27). In-state programs in North Carolina and NC State are also in the mix for the 6-foot-3.5, 195-pounder. As of now, though, Tennessee is making a big move with the elite QB.

“This is a recruitment that’s still got a lot of runway left, there’s still a lot of contenders,” Wiltfong said. “Right now, it’s Tennessee setting the tone in this recruitment and my On3 RPM reflects that.

He’s going to take these summer visits and then recalibrate with his family. I wouldn’t be surprised if he watches some football this fall and continues to evaluate his top schools. But I think all these programs are chasing Tennessee right now as we head into the summer and then the fall.”

The post Recruiting insider explains prediction for Tennessee to land 2026 5-star QB Faizon Brandon appeared first on On3.