Tennessee Vols going head-to-head with Alabama Crimson Tide for elite 5-star recruit

It looks like the Tennessee Vols and the Alabama Crimson Tide are going head-to-head for the top player in the 2026 recruiting class.

Other programs, such as North Carolina and NC State, are also in the mix. But for now, it's Alabama and Tennessee vying for a commitment from 2026 five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon.

Brandon, 6-foot-4/175 lbs from Greensboro, NC, is rated by 247Sports as the No. 1 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class.

The North Carolina native participated in the Elite 11 stop in Atlanta this past weekend and he was named the event's most accurate underclassman passer.

247Sports' Anna Adams noted that Brandon "continues to speak highly" of Tennessee, while also pointing out that Alabama is making a strong run at the talented quarterback.

According to Adams, Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan visited Brandon's high school last week.

From 247Sports : 2026 five-star and No. 1 overall Faizon Brandon of Greensboro (N.C.) Grimsley continues to speak highly of Tennessee. Alabama is also doing a great job of recruiting him and Sheridan visited his school last week. In-state schools N.C. State and North Carolina are in the hunt. LSU, Penn State, Ohio State (no offer), and Oregon (no offer) are others to track in this recruitment.

247Sports' Cooper Petagna noted on Monday that Brandon had a terrific performance at the Elite 11 stop in Atlanta, suggesting that the young quarterback has a pathway to becoming the most complete passer in the country.

"A high velocity thrower with a quick release, the Grimsley standout settled in throughout the afternoon after more than likely navigating through some early nerves," wrote Petagna . "Demonstrating no shortage of tools, Brandon possesses an elite athletic foundation that should provide a pathway to develop into of the most complete passer in the country."

Tennessee has been building a relationship with Brandon for a while now. The Vols' early interest combined with former Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker's recruiting pitches (Hooker is from the same city as Brandon), have UT firmly in the mix in this high-profile recruiting battle.

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