🚨 HOT TAKE GONE TOO FAR? Faizon Brandon Already Making Tennessee Fans Forget Nico Iamaleava — BUT THIS IS PURE ILLUSION

Tennessee football fans love their quarterbacks — and they love bold predictions even more. But the latest wave of hype surrounding Faizon Brandon, the Vols’ 2026 QB commit, has sparked a wild and wildly premature narrative: that he’s already making fans “forget” about current starter Nico Iamaleava.

Let’s be clear — this is pure illusion, fueled by offseason optimism, Elite 11 buzz, and highlight clips. Faizon Brandon is undoubtedly talented. He’s sharp, composed, and has a high ceiling. But Nico Iamaleava is still QB1, and he hasn’t even played a full season yet.

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💡 Where the Illusion Started

Brandon has been turning heads with his strong performances at camps, particularly his Elite 11 regional showing. He’s developing a visible rapport with fellow 2026 commit Tristen Keys, and his natural leadership and arm talent have drawn praise.

Social media lit up with comments like:

• “Brandon looks more polished than Nico ever did in high school.”
• “Heupel may have struck gold twice.”
• “If Faizon stays locked in, Nico might get Wally Pipp’d.”

But this line of thinking is dangerous and premature.

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🛑 Let’s Not Rewrite History

Nico Iamaleava is one of the highest-rated recruits in Tennessee history — a former 5-star, elite athlete with unmatched physical tools, and he’s now stepping into his second year with a full grasp of Josh Heupel’s system. He was MVP of the Citrus Bowl and is expected to break out in 2025 as the SEC watches closely.

Meanwhile, Faizon Brandon hasn’t played a college snap yet.

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📉 The Risk of Overhype

Overhyping recruits can hurt more than it helps. It:

• Creates unfair expectations
• Disrespects the progress of current players
• Fuels toxic fan comparisons before real competition begins
• Undermines locker room chemistry and program stability

Coaches don’t forget players like Nico. Neither should the fanbase.

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🧠 A More Realistic Take

Yes — Faizon Brandon is legit. He could be the next face of Tennessee football by 2027, depending on how things unfold with Nico’s NFL future. But to say he’s already surpassing or overshadowing a player who hasn’t had a full season to prove himself? That’s just not grounded in reality.

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🧡 Final Word

Tennessee fans should absolutely be excited about Faizon Brandon. He’s a future star. But Nico Iamaleava is still the present, and his story is just getting started.

So let’s pump the brakes and enjoy the fact that — for once — the Vols don’t have a QB problem. They might have too much talent.

And that’s a good illusion to live in.