According to reports, two SEC schools are putting forth extra effort to sway a 5-star Vols commit. Brandon Faizon
Brandon Faizon, one of the top quarterbacks in the 2026 recruiting class, has been a focal point in the college football recruiting world ever since he stepped onto the field as a freshman. His mix of size, arm strength, mobility, and high football IQ made him a standout prospect early in his high school career, and his growth over the years has only solidified his standing as one of the most coveted recruits in the nation. As the recruitment process for 2026 class players continues to unfold, Faizon’s commitment to the University of Tennessee is a significant milestone — but his commitment is far from the end of the story. Two major SEC schools, Alabama and LSU, are reportedly putting in extra effort to sway him from the Volunteers and turn him into a future star for their respective programs.
Alabama’s Push for Faizon
Alabama has long been a dominant force in college football, known for its championship pedigree under head coach Nick Saban. Although Saban is getting older, the program has maintained its prowess by continuously reloading with top-tier talent, and quarterback recruiting is no exception. In an effort to secure the commitment of Brandon Faizon, the Alabama coaching staff, led by offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and head coach Kalen DeBoer, has been aggressive in reaching out to Faizon. They know that securing Faizon would be a major coup for their future, especially as the Crimson Tide seeks to stay at the pinnacle of college football.
Alabama’s efforts are not surprising given their reputation for developing elite quarterbacks and sending them to the NFL. Recent quarterbacks such as Bryce Young and Tua Tagovailoa have been high draft picks, and the allure of playing in Tuscaloosa, where elite coaching and facilities help nurture top-tier talent, is undeniable.
Faizon, however, has stayed committed to Tennessee, but that doesn’t mean the pursuit is over. Alabama continues to communicate with him regularly, and the relationship between Faizon and the Alabama coaching staff remains open. The Crimson Tide is not one to back down easily, and many analysts believe that it may take a perfect storm of circumstances to flip Faizon’s commitment. Given Alabama’s consistency in landing top recruits and their recent success in the SEC, they are in a position to keep pushing and may eventually persuade Faizon to reconsider.
LSU’s Intrigue
On the other side, LSU under Brian Kelly has also been working hard to sway Faizon. While Alabama offers championship pedigree, LSU presents a unique opportunity. Baton Rouge is home to one of the most passionate fanbases in college football, and the Tigers’ brand is synonymous with high-octane offense and a competitive edge. The LSU coaching staff has targeted Faizon, seeing him as the quarterback who can lead their program back to national prominence. The Tigers have consistently developed top-tier quarterbacks, such as Joe Burrow, who led the team to a national championship in 2019. LSU also presents a unique atmosphere for quarterbacks, with their dynamic passing attack and the promise of playing in one of the most electric environments in college football.
Brian Kelly, who has proven himself as one of the top recruiters in college football, sees Faizon as a potential game-changer for LSU’s offense. Kelly’s tenure at LSU is off to a solid start, and bringing in a player like Faizon could solidify LSU’s position in the SEC for years to come. With LSU’s recent surge in recruiting, it’s clear that the Tigers are a serious contender to make a play for Faizon’s services.
Tennessee’s Role and the Future of Their Offense
While Alabama and LSU continue to push hard to flip Faizon, Tennessee remains in a strong position. The Volunteers have a growing reputation for developing offensive talent, with quarterback play being one of their strongest assets in recent years. The team’s offensive system, led by offensive coordinator Joey Halzle, is built to showcase the strengths of a dual-threat quarterback like Faizon, combining a potent passing attack with the ability to make plays with his legs. Tennessee’s high-powered offense, which has seen great success in the past seasons under head coach Josh Heupel, is a key selling point to top-tier recruits like Faizon.
What also bodes well for Tennessee is the relationship between Faizon and the Volunteers’ coaching staff. Tennessee has invested a lot in building strong personal connections with its recruits, and Faizon’s commitment reflects this effort. The coaching staff’s transparency, communication, and vision for the future have helped create an environment where Faizon feels comfortable and supported. He has also built a strong bond with current and future teammates, including fellow 2026 recruits like wide receiver Tristen Keys, whose commitment to Tennessee has further solidified Faizon’s decision.
A High-Stakes Recruitment
As the recruitment process plays out, the efforts by Alabama and LSU to sway Faizon from his commitment to Tennessee only serve to increase the stakes. With each passing day, Faizon continues to receive attention from the top coaching staffs in college football, and every conversation could potentially alter the trajectory of his future. Even though Faizon remains firm in his commitment to Tennessee, college football fans know that nothing is certain until National Signing Day arrives.
What makes this situation so intriguing is the stakes not only for Faizon but also for the SEC programs involved. For Tennessee, retaining Faizon’s commitment is crucial. Having a five-star quarterback in the fold can help attract other top recruits to Knoxville and signal that the Volunteers are serious contenders in the SEC. For Alabama and LSU, securing Faizon’s commitment would provide a significant boost to their recruiting classes and give their programs the quarterback of the future.
The Broader Implications for SEC Recruiting
Faizon’s recruitment is more than just a battle between three SEC programs; it’s a microcosm of the larger landscape of college football recruiting. The SEC, as the premier conference in college football, has seen an increased arms race in recruiting. With the recent rise of teams like Tennessee, LSU, and Alabama under their respective coaching staffs, the competition for top-tier talent is fiercer than ever. Faizon’s recruitment represents the shifting dynamics of college football, where multiple programs are vying for the same players, and a commitment is never truly safe until that pen hits paper on National Signing Day.
The Road Ahead
As we move through the recruiting cycle for the 2026 class, all eyes will continue to be on Brandon Faizon. His commitment to Tennessee is a significant one, but the relentless pursuit by Alabama and LSU shows that the recruiting process is never over until the final decision is made. For Faizon, the opportunity to play for one of the most prestigious programs in the country is within reach, but his recruitment will be closely watched for months to come.
With each passing day, the drama of recruiting continues to unfold, and Brandon Faizon’s story is just one chapter in the ongoing saga of college football recruiting. Whether he ultimately stays with Tennessee or decides to flip to one of the SEC powerhouses, it is clear that Faizon will continue to be one of the most closely watched prospects in the country. His decision could have a ripple effect, influencing not just the programs he is considering but the future of college football itself.