Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon has been named the Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Week after delivering a five-touchdown performance in the Volunteers’ victory over Furman, the Maxwell Football Club announced.
The weekly honor recognizes standout performances by college football freshmen during the 2026 season. Players can earn recognition for their contributions on offense, defense or special teams and do not need to have appeared on the Shaun Alexander Award preseason watch list.
Brandon earned the recognition after combining an efficient passing performance with a productive day on the ground, emerging as a significant contributor to Tennessee’s offense.
Brandon Accounts for Five Touchdowns Against Furman
The freshman quarterback completed 13 of 17 passes for 226 yards and three touchdowns against Furman. He also carried the ball 10 times for 68 yards and two additional touchdowns.
In total, Brandon accounted for 294 yards of offense and five touchdowns, demonstrating the dual-threat ability that gives Tennessee another dimension at quarterback.
His passing numbers reflected an especially efficient outing. Brandon completed more than three-quarters of his attempts while producing three scores through the air. His ability to contribute as a runner further complicated Furman’s defensive approach, with the quarterback finding the end zone twice on the ground.
The performance helped Tennessee secure the victory while giving Brandon an opportunity to establish himself as one of the program’s emerging offensive players.
Freshman Quarterback Shows Dual-Threat Ability
Brandon’s combination of passing accuracy and rushing production was central to his selection for the weekly award.
His performance showed an ability to operate from the pocket while also creating opportunities with his legs. That versatility has become increasingly valuable in college football, particularly for offenses looking to pressure defenses both vertically and on the ground.
For Tennessee, Brandon’s outing also offered an early indication of what the freshman could contribute as the 2026 season progresses. Producing five touchdowns in a single game is notable for any quarterback, but the efficiency of his performance added to the significance of the outing.
With 17 passing attempts and 10 rushing attempts, Brandon generated substantial production without requiring a particularly heavy workload. His 226 passing yards combined with 68 rushing yards provided Tennessee with consistent offensive production through multiple phases of the game.
Maxwell Football Club Recognizes Freshman Performances
The Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Week award is presented by the Maxwell Football Club throughout the college football season.
Each week, the organization selects a freshman based on overall performance, with players from offense, defense and special teams eligible for consideration. The weekly selection process is broader than the preseason watch list, allowing freshmen who emerge during the season to receive recognition regardless of whether they entered the year among the award’s previously identified candidates.
The weekly honor is connected with the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, which recognizes outstanding freshman achievement in college football.
Brandon’s selection puts the Tennessee quarterback among the freshmen drawing national attention during the 2026 campaign.
Brandon Adds Momentum to Tennessee’s Offense
For the Volunteers, Brandon’s performance against Furman provides another encouraging development as the season moves forward.
Freshman quarterbacks often face a significant adjustment to the speed and complexity of the college game. Brandon’s ability to complete 13 of 17 passes while accounting for five touchdowns demonstrated both efficiency and playmaking ability in Tennessee’s victory.
His 294 combined passing and rushing yards also highlighted the different ways he can influence an offense. While future opponents will present different challenges, the Furman performance provided a strong early benchmark for the freshman quarterback.
Brandon will now look to build on the outing as Tennessee continues its schedule. His Freshman Player of the Week recognition reflects a productive individual performance and places additional attention on one of the Volunteers’ young offensive talents during the 2026 season.
