Tennessee football is less than a month away from the start of the 2026 season, and the Volunteers have a roster with plenty of talent and depth but there is one position that could determine just how good this team ultimately becomes: quarterback. On this episode of the A to Z Sports Big Orange Podcast, Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan break down the projected Tennessee football depth chart position by position, including the quarterback competition between Faizon Brandon and George MacIntyre, the running back room, wide receiver depth, tight ends, offensive line, defensive line, edge rushers, linebackers, defensive backs and special teams. The biggest question remains the Tennessee quarterback battle. George MacIntyre has reportedly looked better during the early stages of fall camp after a difficult spring, but Charlie and Zach continue to believe Faizon Brandon is the most likely player to win the starting job. The hosts discuss the possibility of Tennessee giving both quarterbacks opportunities against Furman before ultimately settling on one starter, while also explaining why Brandon's long-term upside could make him the better choice for Josh Heupel. The Vols also have an intriguing running back room led by Desean Bishop who is expected to be Tennessee's primary back. Daune Morris and transfer Javin Gordon could battle for additional opportunities, giving the Volunteers multiple options behind Bishop as the season progresses. At wide receiver, Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley appear to be the top two options, while the third receiver position remains wide open. Radaurius Jackson, Travis Smith Jr., TK Keys, Tyreek King, Joakim Dodson and other young players could all compete for snaps. Charlie and Zach discuss why true freshman TK Keys could eventually become a major factor, even if Tennessee brings him along slowly early in the season. The tight end position could be one of Tennessee's biggest offensive advantages if Ethan Davis can stay healthy. Dasaahn Brame has impressed with his athletic ability and could provide a major mismatch in the passing game, while transfer Trent Thomas could help Tennessee improve its blocking. The combination of Davis and Brame could give Josh Heupel valuable 12- and 13-personnel options. The offensive line also appears to have significantly more depth than Tennessee has had in recent seasons. David Sanders is expected to anchor the left side, while Sam Pendleton brings experience at center. Young center Nick Moore could eventually push for playing time, while Jesse Perry, Donovan Haslam, Umarov and Ory Williams give Tennessee several options at guard and tackle. The hosts view that depth as a major positive heading into the season. Defensively, the biggest question may be the edge rusher position. Jim Knowles has several options, including Tyree Weathersby and Jordan Norman, but Tennessee lacks the proven depth it has at linebacker. Charlie and Zach discuss whether players such as Christian Gass can develop into reliable contributors and whether Knowles can manufacture pressure through different blitz packages. The Tennessee secondary may also be one of the strongest position groups of the Josh Heupel era. Kayin Lee, Ty Redmond and Qua Moss are expected to play major roles at corner, while T.J. Metcalf, Edrees Farooq, De'Juan Lane and Dylan Lewis provide additional options in the secondary. Charlie and Zach believe this could potentially be the best defensive back group Tennessee has had under Heupel. Ultimately, the episode comes back to the quarterback position. Tennessee has talent across the roster, but the Vols need their young quarterback to make good decisions, hit explosive throws and avoid the catastrophic turnovers that hurt the team last season. If Faizon Brandon or George MacIntyre can provide that level of play, Charlie and Zach believe Tennessee has the roster to make serious noise in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
