The Tennessee locker room has already crowned its quarterback, and it is not even a question for the players. George MacIntyre is the guy, the leader, the QB1, despite head coach Josh Heupel refusing to publicly make that call for over a month now. You hear it from the players, loud and clear, that MacIntyre has taken full control of this offense.
The Team’s Clear Message
Forget what the depth chart *officially* says, the guys on the field are giving us the real scoop. Wide receiver Braylon Staley did not mince words on November 2, telling everyone MacIntyre “took the role over, and he’s been playing his butt off.” Staley added that the sophomore, who has only three career starts, has “grown a lot” and “taken control of the offense now, being the leader that he’s supposed to be.” Those are not just encouraging words; they are an outright endorsement from a key offensive player.
Left guard Nic Moore echoed that sentiment. He said in MacIntyre’s first couple of games, he was “just getting his feet set.” But now? Moore confirmed MacIntyre is “really confident in what he’s doing. He’s really being talking with confidence in the huddle, and he’s flourished into a good quarterback.” This is the kind of stuff you love to hear, a young QB gaining command and his teammates recognizing it. But then you hear Heupel, when asked about naming a starter for the November 7 game, deflect with the usual “We’ll finish the week here at practice and get to game day.” The coach has played it close to the vest for five weeks now, ever since MacIntyre replaced Faizon Brandon. The players, though? They are not holding back.
MacIntyre’s Ascent and the Playoff Push
MacIntyre, a former Brentwood Academy standout, stepped in midway through a 24-14 win over Auburn on October 3. Freshman Faizon Brandon, who was struggling with a right shoulder injury and being ineffective, made way. Even with Brandon off the SEC injury report now, MacIntyre seems to be firmly holding onto that starting spot, and the team’s record since then speaks volumes. The Vols are 3-1 with MacIntyre under center, and they are still right in the College Football Playoff hunt with four regular season games remaining.
His stats so far show promise, even if the touchdown numbers do not jump off the page: 67% completion for 728 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. But hold up, here is a wild stat that will make you rethink those numbers: MacIntyre had *three* touchdown passes negated by penalties in that brutal 27-24 loss at South Carolina on October 24. Three! Imagine what that box score would look like without those flags.
The team has clearly prioritized getting on the same page with MacIntyre. Staley revealed wide receivers increased their film study and personal time with him, even “hanging out with each other, going out to eat and stuff like that and then coming back and watching film.” Staley acknowledged that this MacIntyre time has become a priority for the offensive skill players, just as it was for Brandon in the preseason. It is clear they are investing in their new signal-caller, and by all accounts, MacIntyre is finding his voice and it is evident in how he runs the huddle.
This Saturday, November 7, No. 16 Tennessee (6-2, 3-2 SEC) faces a massive test against No. 7 Kentucky (7-1, 5-1) at Neyland Stadium. Kickoff is 6:15 p.m. ET on ESPN. This is not just another game; it is a statement game, and a huge one for their College Football Playoff aspirations. The team knows who their quarterback is, now it is time to show the country what they can do.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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