Freshman Faizon Brandon set for debut as Tennessee opens 2026 season against Furman

By: John Dunn

Founder/Managing Editor/Host

The All Vol Call in Show

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee football team will officially launch its 2026 college football campaign this weekend when the Volunteers host the Furman Paladins. The non-conference matchup is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, 2026, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time inside Neyland Stadium, and the digital broadcast will air live on SEC Network Plus and ESPN Plus. Tens of thousands of fans are expected to fill the historic venue as the Volunteers gear up for another high-stakes season under head coach Josh Heupel.

All eyes will be under center as highly touted five-star prospect Faizon Brandon makes his first career start for Tennessee. The talented freshman quarterback steps into a dynamic system surrounded by a wealth of returned offensive production, featuring running back DeSean Bishop, tight end Ethan Davis, and explosive wide receivers Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley. With top-tier offensive linemen like David Sanders Jr. anchoring the line, Head Coach Josh Heupel’s fast-paced attack returns the key depth and firepower needed to support their new quarterback and push for early control of the game.

The visiting Furman Paladins arrive in Knoxville intent on challenging their Football Bowl Subdivision opponent behind a disciplined and experienced core. Furman's high-powered offensive effort will rely heavily on proven contributors like quarterback Trey Smith and running back CJ Stokes, while defensive leaders like safety Trae Williams and linebacker Raleigh Herbert look to disrupt Tennessee's tempo. Tickets and stadium entry details for the 3:30 p.m. season opener are available through the official Tennessee Athletics website, with stream access accessible across digital platforms via SEC Network Plus and ESPN Plus ahead of Saturday's kickoff.