Just two days after being named the starting quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers, Faizon Brandon was named to the preseason watch list for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.
Brandon is one of 37 freshmen named to the list, and 14 semifinalists will be announced on Nov. 4, with five finalists revealed on Dec. 2. The winner will be announced on Monday, Dec. 28, and the award will be formally presented at the 90th Maxwell Awards ceremony on March 13, 2027, in Atlanta.
Brandon joins a list of Vols who were named to preseason watch lists, such as running back DeSean Bishop (Walter Camp Player of the Year), tight end Ethan Davis (John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List), and wide receiver Braylon Staley (Biletnikoff Award Watch List), among others. Head coach Josh Heupel was also named to the Dodd Trophy Watch List.
The freshman out of Grimsley High School in Greensboro, N.C., comes into a high-pressure role that will be critiqued by many. All eyes will be on him come Saturday, Sept. 5, and he is grateful for it.
“I just feel really blessed,” Brandon said in Tuesday’s media availability. “I just want to thank God for the opportunity to be a starter here.”
While he’s put in all the hard work to be in this position, Brandon knows that the job is only getting started.
“Just really excited,” Brandon said when asked about being named the starter. “Felt like everything really paid off even though it’s not done yet. Still got a whole season ahead of us, but that was one of my big goals and I accomplished that. I just felt very excited but still ready to keep working and prepare for the season.”
Tennessee kicks off the season vs. Furman on Sept. 5 at 3:30 p.m. EDT on SEC Network+ and the ESPN app.