Heupel Keeps Tennessee Quarterback Race Open Before Arkansas Game

Tennessee Volunteers coach Josh Heupel kept the team's quarterback competition unresolved before the Arkansas matchup, with George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon listed as co-starters after recent changes at the position. The decision followed Tennessee's quarterback switch during the Auburn game.

According to sports.yahoo.com, sophomore George MacIntyre was expected to start against Arkansas after replacing freshman Faizon Brandon during Tennessee's previous game. Brandon opened the season as the starter after winning the job during fall camp.

Brandon was replaced against Auburn after struggling during the first half, while also dealing with a throwing shoulder injury, according to sports.yahoo.com. MacIntyre entered with Tennessee trailing 7-3 and helped the Volunteers complete a 24-14 victory.

Sports.yahoo.com described the quarterback situation as a competition that remains unsettled, noting that neither player had secured the role permanently.

"the guy" appears in the report's description of the quarterback role that neither player has claimed yet.

The report also referenced the idea that the competition will continue until one quarterback separates himself from the other.

"one of these quarterbacks has to go take the job" appears in the report's explanation of Heupel's approach to the quarterback competition.

Heupel previously managed a similar transition in 2021 when Hendon Hooker replaced Joe Milton, according to sports.yahoo.com. The report noted that MacIntyre could strengthen his case with strong performances in upcoming games.

Tennessee entered the Arkansas matchup with MacIntyre and Brandon both listed as co-starters, according to sports.yahoo.com, leaving the quarterback decision open ahead of the next games on the schedule.