Tennessee is expected to make a change at quarterback when the Vols travel to Arkansas.
Sophomore George MacIntyre is expected to start Saturday against the Razorbacks, according to reports from On3’s Chris Low and ESPN’s Pete Nakos.
The move comes after MacIntyre replaced freshman Faizon Brandon during Tennessee’s 24-14 win over Auburn.
Brandon started Tennessee’s first five games of the 2026 season. Head Coach Josh Heupel revealed on Monday he has been dealing with an injury suffered against Texas.
Heupel acknowledged Monday that the injury affected Brandon against Auburn.
“We’ll find out as the week goes here,” Heupel said when asked who would start against Arkansas. “George came in, did some really good things. Faizon obviously wasn’t at his best, dealing with getting injured in the Texas game. It was affecting his game.”
MacIntyre provided Tennessee with more consistency and rhythm through the air in week 5.
He completed 8 of 10 passes for 86 yards without a touchdown or turnover. His presence also helped open Tennessee’s running game, with DeSean Bishop finishing with a career-high 220 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
“I thought George did some positive things early when he went in the ballgame in the first half, too,” Heupel said after the win.
Heupel specifically pointed to MacIntyre’s ability to throw the football in the second half and take advantage of what Auburn’s defense was giving Tennessee.
MacIntyre has completed 14 of 20 passes for 148 yards and one touchdown in limited action this season. Saturday would mark his first career start.
Heupel made clear Monday that getting Brandon healthy remains part of the equation.
When asked what Brandon needed to do differently moving forward, Heupel kept his answer simple.
“It’s all 11, first and foremost,” Heupel said. “Secondly, he’s gotta get back healthy. Those two things.”
No. 15 Tennessee will face Arkansas at 4:15 p.m. ET Saturday in Fayetteville. The Vols enter the matchup 4-1 overall and 1-1 in SEC play. Arkansas is 2-3 and 0-2 in conference play.
