Tennessee Sends Non‑QBs to SEC Media Days

Tennessee will not send a quarterback to this summer’s SEC media days, leaving the starting job up in the air. Coach Josh Heupel will lead the delegation, joined by linebackers Arion Carter and Jeremiah Telander and starting running back DeSean Bishop. The Vols have never sent a signal caller to the four‑day event in Tampa, underscoring the uncertainty at the position.

SEC media days run July 20‑23 at the Tampa Marriott Water Street and JW Marriott, with Heupel and the three players meeting the press on July 20. The quartet will represent a team that fields one of its strongest linebacker groups under new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Their presence also highlights Tennessee’s stable backfield as the program eyes the 2026 season.

Why No Quarterback?

After spring practice, Tennessee still has no official signal caller, mirroring last year’s situation. Joey Aguilar, a UCLA transfer, remains unofficially named the starter, and the competition now extends into preseason practice slated for Aug. 5. The next chance for a decision could come just before the Sept. 5 home opener against Furman.

Quarterback Candidates Rise

Redshirt freshman George MacIntyre has logged limited action, completing seven of nine passes for 69 yards while preserving his redshirt. The former four‑star recruit from Brentwood Academy in Nashville is a solid option with experience. Freshman Faizon Brandon, a five‑star 2026 sign, entered early and ranks as the nation’s No. 10 overall prospect and No. 3 quarterback. Both players are slated to battle head‑to‑head for the starting role.

Heupel has indicated the competition will continue through preseason drills, echoing the timeline that saw Aguilar named starter just two weeks before last season’s opener. The drama of a quarterback race adds intrigue ahead of the Sept. 5 season opener against Furman.

Strong Linebacker Core Represented

Arion Carter returns to the roster after a whirlwind off‑season that included an NFL draft declaration and a brief stint in the transfer portal. He led the team in tackles last year, recorded six tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks, earning a spot on the coaches’ All‑SEC second team. The senior linebacker’s resilience adds depth to a group that finished second in tackles behind Jeremiah Telander. Telander, a senior, posted the second‑most tackles on the squad and will serve as a stabilizing force for Jim Knowles’ defensive scheme.

Running Back continuity with DeSean Bishop

DeSean Bishop is entering his second year as the Vols’ starting running back, a remarkable journey for a former walk‑on from Karns. He rushed for 1,076 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2025, tying for the fourth‑most rushing yards in UT history and earning second‑team All‑SEC honors. Bishop, a two‑time Mr. Football winner, was a Burlsworth Trophy semifinalist and signed an NIL deal, becoming the first returning 1,000‑yard rusher since Jalen Hurd in 2016. His consistency gives Tennessee a reliable ground threat as the program looks to build momentum.

What It Means for 2026

The lack of a quarterback representative signals an open competition that could shape the entire season. A deep linebacker corps and a seasoned running back provide stability while the signal‑caller battle remains the focal point. Coach Heupel’s optimism about the ongoing competition suggests fans should expect close contests throughout preseason practice. With a strong supporting cast, the winner of the quarterback race will have the tools to repeat the program’s recent successes. The Sept. 5 Furman game will serve as an early barometer of where the puzzle pieces fit.

The new Adidas dark‑mode uniforms unveiled during media days highlight Tennessee’s modern image, while the on‑field preparation will ultimately determine how the Vols fare in the upcoming campaign.