Tennessee QB Brandon Exits, Returns After Injury

On Sept. 26, 2026, 13th-ranked Tennessee lost 20-17 to No. 1 Texas at Neyland Stadium. Freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon left early in the second quarter after landing on his right shoulder during a designed run, walked off holding his arm and entered the medical tent. George MacIntyre took one series. Brandon returned with 8:28 remaining in the half after throwing on the sideline; his first pass back was complete. He finished 17-of-29 for 145 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions while being sacked 10 times. His 30-yard touchdown to Mike Matthews with 1:22 left made the score 20-17. Tennessee recovered the onside kick, but Brandon's Hail Mary fell incomplete. Texas led 10-3 at halftime. Defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam also left with a lower-body injury. Sources differ on pre-exit passing numbers. The wire summary lists Brandon at 3-of-4 for nine yards before leaving. ClutchPoints lists him at 8-of-11 for 34 yards before halftime. No further injury details or next steps appear in the record.