Five-star Tennessee QB commit Faizon Brandon earns top recognition at Navy National Combine

Five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon was named Alpha Dog of the Navy National Combine on Saturday after delivering an impressive performance during drills in San Antonio, Texas, last week. The Tennessee commit showed his live arm during drills and was impressive with his accuracy to all three levels of the field.

As noted by 247Sports' Andrew Ivens, Brandon also displayed excellent touch during 1-on-1 drills by consistently throwing his targets open.

The Grimsley High School star has posted a remarkable 29-1 record as a starter over the past two seasons. This recent honor comes just two weeks after Brandon was named Mr. Football for the 2024 season in North Carolina. He is the No. 2 quarterback in the 2026 class and the No. 6 prospect in the nation, according to the On3 Industry Rankings.

The combine saw over 600 players from the 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029 recruiting classes participate, and it also recognized other top performers. The Offensive MVP was wide receiver Jayden Warren (2026), while the Defensive MVP went to defensive lineman Elija Harmon (2027).

The First-team offense included quarterback Jaden O'Neal, running back Xavier Bala, wide receiver Judge Nash, tight end Hayden Vercher and offensive lineman Jackson Cook, among others. On the defensive side, standout players included defensive lineman Christian Hunter, linebacker Liufau Loumoli and defensive back Ernest Nunley, among others.

---

High school coach raves about Faizon Brandon

In his junior season, Faizon Brandon passed for 2,814 yards and 35 touchdowns for two interceptions while also rushing for 625 yards and nine touchdowns.

Hough football coach Shawn Baker praised Brandon's athleticism, saying (via The Charlotte Observer):

"He’s poised. He’s calm. He just commands the offense. He’s just really smooth. He has a live arm and he doesn’t mind running and getting the tough yards when he needs it. He plays with a lot of swagger and I understand why he’s No. 1 in the country."

Faizon Brandon has already been predicted by many to be Nico Iamaleava's replacement in Tennessee. He is definitely the crown jewel of the Vols 2026 class, which features seven other committed players.

Tennessee's 2026 class added a new pledge on Saturday from three-star offensive tackle Gabriel Osenda. This has helped elevate the class to No. 1 in the Southeastern Conference and No. 3 nationally.