There are a few significant SEC developments right now, August 24, especially at quarterback.
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Tennessee has named freshman Faizon Brandon its starting quarterback. Josh Heupel has gone with the five-star freshman for the September 5 opener against Furman. That settles one of the SEC’s biggest remaining quarterback competitions.
Florida named Aaron Philo QB1 today. The Georgia Tech transfer beat out Tramell Jones Jr. and will start against Florida Atlantic on September 5. Philo transferred in along with offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner.
Alabama has settled its quarterback battle, too. Sophomore Keelon Russell won the job over Austin Mack. Russell had only limited action last season—143 passing yards and two touchdowns—but he’s now Kalen DeBoer’s starter for the opener against East Carolina.
Tennessee also has a major defensive injury. Starting safety Edrees Farooq is out for the entire 2026 season after suffering a torn patellar tendon in his right knee during practice. He had 76 tackles, four forced fumbles and two interceptions last season and had established himself as Tennessee’s top safety. Penn State transfer Dejuan Lane is expected to be a major part of the replacement plan.
For our SEC work, the three QB decisions are particularly important because only a week ago Alabama, Florida and Tennessee were still among the unresolved SEC quarterback situations.
And since we’re getting very close to opening weekend, this is exactly when depth-chart changes and injuries start coming quickly. I can keep an eye on all 16 SEC teams and alert you when something significant breaks—starting-QB changes, major injuries, suspensions, depth-chart moves, etc.
Earlier News:
Arkansas: Arkansas Razorbacks football has named KJ Jackson its starting quarterback, with Jackson winning the competition over AJ Hill.
There is also encouraging injury news at Alabama: receiver Noah Rogers has returned to practice after suffering a serious lower-body injury during the spring A-Day game.
