The Tennessee Volunteers are heading into the summer with one major question on everyone's mind: who will emerge as the starting quarterback? After spring ball wrapped up, the battle has narrowed to two young stars, and a college football insider has already named a frontrunner.

The competition officially kicked off when Joey Aguilar's appeal for an extra year of eligibility was denied in a Knoxville courtroom. Head coach Josh Heupel explored transfer portal options but was ultimately priced out, leaving the job to two rising talents: Faizon Brandon and George McIntyre.

According to Rocky Top Talk's Terry Lambert, "Tennessee's quarterback battle was officially on the very second that Joey Aguilar's appeal was struck down." The race is now between Brandon, a freshman with raw potential, and McIntyre, who has had a year and a half head start to win over the locker room.

College football insider Trey Wallace recently shared insights on how the competition is shaping up. "From what I keep hearing, it's probably going to be the Faizon thing," Wallace said. He added that the term "Hail Mary" was used in reference to McIntyre's chances of landing the job, suggesting Brandon has the edge heading into summer workouts.

Meanwhile, the Vols are also keeping a close eye on transfer portal addition Chaz Coleman. VolQuest's Austin Price noted that Coleman's presence has been inconsistent this spring. "He's continuing to be around and having conversations on campus," Price said. "But when the team reconvenes for that first workout on the 25th, he needs to be out there. If he's not, that's not a good sign."

As Tennessee fans gear up for summer practices, all eyes will be on Brandon to see if he can secure the starting role—and on Coleman to see if he can solidify his place on the roster. The Vols' season hinges on these decisions, and the next few weeks will be crucial in shaping the team's identity.