"Tennessee is the place I want to be": Five-star 2026 class QB commit Faizon Brandon reaffirms his commitment to Tennessee

Faizon Brandon, a five-star Tennessee (2026) quarterback commit, led Grimsley High School (North Carolina) to an unbeaten season this year, finishing 15-0. He rounded off his outstanding season with a stunning second-half comeback last Friday, securing the Whirlies' spot in the North Carolina 4A state championship game.

Brandon's mighty performance turned him into a top target but he wants to stay loyal to his commitment to Tennessee, which he made in August.

“Tennessee is the place I want to be, so I really don’t want to talk to anyone else,” he told On3.

Following Friday’s thrilling victory, Brandon traveled to Knoxville to visit the Tennessee staff and attend a practice.

“I think it was good to be able to see practice and be with the coaches,” Brandon said of the visit. “Being able to meet some of the other recruits and being around some of the guys was good.”

Brandon’s arm strength, pinpoint accuracy and quick decision-making make him a dual-threat quarterback capable of impacting games both through the air and on the ground.

Brandon has amassed 2,632 passing yards and 33 touchdowns, complemented by 588 rushing yards and eight more scores for just one interception this season. His performance has earned him numerous accolades, including being named the Gatorade Player of the Year for North Carolina.

His junior season builds on the promise he showed as a sophomore when he became a full-time starter.

Faizon Brandon dissed the North Carolina flip rumor

When the in-state North Carolina Tar Heels announced legendary coach Bill Belichick as their new head coach, attention turned to in-state prospects like Faizon Brandon. However, he gave a direct answer to the discussion, saying (via 247Sports):

"I think hiring him was a good decision by UNC. However, I don't think I would take a phone call because I am 1000 percent committed to Tennessee.”

Tennessee's 2026 class looks strong with six committed players and ranks No. 1 in the Southeastern Conference. Meanwhile, North Carolina’s recruiting efforts are off to a slower start in the 2026 cycle, with only one commitment: three-star quarterback Zaid Lott.