The Tennessee-Vanderbilt football rivalry might have a distinct Nashville flavor in 2026.
On Feb. 20, a Knoxville judge denied a preliminary injunction for Joey Aguilar, which would have allowed him to return to the Volunteers next season. Aguilar, who led the SEC with 3,565 passing yards in 2025, was hoping to get another year of NCAA eligibility. He could appeal the decision, but unless he wins, his college football career would be over.
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With Aguilar almost certainly headed to the NFL, the battle to be Tennessee’s next starting quarterback is open between redshirt freshman George MacIntyre, five-star freshman Faizon Brandon and Colorado transfer Ryan Staub.
MacIntyre, the lone returner, was a four-star recruit from Brentwood Academy in the class of 2024. If he wins the job, he might end up facing another Nashville area prep star in Jared Curtis, a five-star recruit from Nashville Christian who is set for his first season with the Commodores this fall.
George MacIntyre stats at Tennessee
The 6-foot-6, 195-pound MacIntyre was a three-year starter at BA from 2022-24, throwing for 8,293 yards and 62 touchdowns during his career. He led the Eagles to the TSSAA Division II-AA semifinals twice. He was the No. 13 quarterback and No. 151 recruit in the country, per the 247Sports Composite, when he signed with the Vols in December 2024.
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Last season, MacIntyre appeared in two games, playing late in blowout wins over East Tennessee State and New Mexico State. He completed seven of nine passes for 69 yards and took 18 snaps.
MORE: What to know about George MacIntyre, possible Tennessee starting QB in 2026
George MacIntyre vs Faizon Brandon, Ryan Staub
Brandon, an early enrollee from Greensboro, North Carolina, will compete with MacIntyre for the starting role. The 6-4, 206-pounder was the No. 3 player and No….
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