Just in. Major Setback for Tennessee? Suspense Builds as Top QB Commit Faizon Brandon Stripped of 5-Star Status
Knoxville, TN
In what many are calling an unexpected twist in Tennessee’s promising recruiting class, highly touted quarterback commit Faizon Brandon has been stripped of his 5-star status by major recruiting services, including On3 and Rivals, sending ripples across the college football world and raising questions about his long-term trajectory with the Volunteers.
Brandon, a native of Greensboro, North Carolina, made headlines in August 2024 when he committed to Tennessee, choosing the Vols over powerhouse programs like Georgia, Alabama, and Clemson. At the time, he was ranked as a top-10 national prospect and one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in the 2025 class.
However, in a shocking update released earlier this month, both Rivals and On3 announced that Brandon had been downgraded from a 5-star to a 4-star recruit. The move comes after what scouts described as “inconsistent performances” during elite summer camps and 7-on-7 showcases. While he still holds impressive attributes — including size, athleticism, and arm talent — evaluators say he hasn’t shown the same polish or dominance expected at the national level.
Within the Tennessee fan base, reactions have been mixed. While some fans see this as a minor hiccup in a long recruiting cycle, others worry this downgrade could impact the perception of the 2025 class — especially for a team that’s been trending upward under head coach Josh Heupel.
“Losing the fifth star doesn’t change how we view Faizon,” said a Tennessee recruiting insider. “The staff is still fully behind him. They know what kind of talent he brings, and one camp series isn’t going to change their evaluation.”
The Volunteers are still building one of the most competitive quarterback rooms in the SEC, and Brandon’s unique skill set fits seamlessly into Heupel’s uptempo offensive scheme. At 6’4” and 205 pounds, Brandon offers a combination of speed and arm strength that has drawn comparisons to former Tennessee standout Hendon Hooker.
Recruiting analysts cite several factors behind the downgrade:
Inconsistency in decision-making under pressure during elite national camps.
Mechanics and footwork still considered a “work in progress.”
Slight regression in arm velocity compared to other top-tier QBs in his class.
Lack of dominance against other 5-star peers in recent evaluations.
“Faizon Brandon still has the tools to be elite,” said one On3 scout. “But the margin between a top 20 player and a top 100 player is razor-thin. Right now, he’s not separating himself like he once did.”
For Tennessee, the hope is that Brandon will use this setback as motivation. There is still plenty of time before National Signing Day, and many expect Brandon to rise again with a strong senior season at Grimsley High School.
“This may be a blessing in disguise,” one SEC analyst noted. “Some kids get comfortable with the 5-star label. Losing it could light a fire under him.”
Brandon has remained silent on social media since the rankings drop, but insiders say he’s fully committed to Tennessee and plans to enroll early in January 2026.
This development serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of recruiting. Stars matter — especially in the SEC — but so do intangibles, development, and coaching fit. Tennessee fans know better than most that stars don’t guarantee stardom.
In a recruiting cycle that’s still wide open, Faizon Brandon remains one of the most intriguing players to watch. Whether this is a brief stumble or a sign of something more significant, only time will tell. But one thing is certain — the spotlight on Knoxville just got a little brighter,and the pressure a little heavier.
Stay tuned.
