Former Tennessee quarterback and beloved fan favorite Joshua Dobbs didn’t mince words when he gave his thoughts on the Vols’ five-star quarterback commit Faizon Brandon. According to Dobbs, who knows firsthand what it takes to lead the Tennessee offense under the bright lights of Neyland Stadium, Brandon isn’t just promising—he’s already the real deal.
In a recent interview that quickly made waves across Vol Nation, Dobbs praised Brandon’s poise, skillset, and maturity beyond his years. “You watch the tape, and you can see it immediately,” Dobbs said. “He’s got the arm, he’s got the athleticism, but what really stands out is his command. You don’t see that from many high school quarterbacks. He’s the real deal.”
Coming from someone like Dobbs—a former NFL quarterback and one of the most respected players in Tennessee football history—that kind of endorsement carries weight. Dobbs is known not just for his electric playmaking ability and leadership at Tennessee from 2013 to 2016, but also for his football IQ and professionalism, which helped him carve out a career in the NFL as both a starter and reliable backup.
Dobbs went on to talk about how Brandon reminds him of elite college quarterbacks who made an immediate impact. “He’s not going to need two or three years to figure things out,” Dobbs said. “From what I’ve seen, he’s going to walk in and push everybody around him to be better. That’s the kind of presence he brings, and it’s something you can’t teach. You either have it or you don’t, and Faizon has it.”
Brandon, a towering 6-foot-4 quarterback out of North Carolina, has been rising fast up national recruiting boards. The five-star signal-caller turned heads at multiple camps and showcases over the past year, and his commitment to Tennessee was seen as a major coup for head coach Josh Heupel and his staff. Brandon chose the Vols over elite programs like Georgia, Alabama, LSU, and Clemson, citing Tennessee’s offense, coaching staff, and atmosphere as the deciding factors.
His commitment came at a crucial time, with the Vols continuing to stockpile blue-chip talent to compete at the top of the SEC and challenge for College Football Playoff contention. Brandon’s arrival in Knoxville is expected to keep Tennessee’s quarterback room loaded with talent well into the future, especially with current starter Nico Iamaleava garnering national attention and NFL buzz.
But Brandon isn’t coming in just to sit and wait. According to multiple scouts and insiders, he possesses one of the most refined throwing motions in the 2025 class and combines that with a deep understanding of coverages, elite ball placement, and underrated athleticism. Whether it’s on deep posts, back-shoulder fades, or quick timing routes, Brandon delivers the ball with confidence and accuracy.
What separates Brandon from other five-star quarterbacks, however, may be his mindset. Those around him describe a player who studies film religiously, asks the right questions, and commands the respect of his teammates. “He’s not flashy,” said one high school coach who faced Brandon’s team last season. “He just goes out there and does everything right. He’ll dissect your defense, make the right read, and kill you with precision. It’s almost surgical.”
Dobbs echoed those sentiments and spoke about the pressure that comes with playing quarterback at Tennessee—a place where the expectations are sky-high, the fans are deeply invested, and the scrutiny never stops. “You have to be tough mentally,” Dobbs said. “It’s not just about making throws. You have to be able to lead grown men at 18 or 19 years old. You have to block out the noise, handle setbacks, and keep moving forward. From what I’ve seen and heard, Faizon’s got that makeup.”
Dobbs also shared some advice for Brandon as he prepares to make the leap to the college level. “Take your time, soak everything in, and be a sponge,” he said. “You don’t have to be Superman on day one. Just focus on getting better every day. Learn from the guys in the room, listen to your coaches, and trust your process.”
Brandon, for his part, has handled the spotlight with poise. Since his commitment, he’s embraced the Tennessee fanbase, regularly interacting with supporters on social media and making visits to Knoxville to connect with future teammates and coaches. His bond with Heupel and offensive coordinator Joey Halzle has been a major storyline, as the staff sees him as the perfect fit for their uptempo, vertical passing attack.
“He’s got the tools to thrive in our system,” one Tennessee assistant said earlier this spring. “He processes fast, has a great arm, and understands leverage and spacing. That’s exactly what we want in this offense.”
Recruiting analysts agree. Brandon has continued to climb the rankings with each passing month, and many believe he could finish as the No. 1 quarterback in the 2025 class. His frame, skillset, and ability to make off-platform throws have drawn comparisons to recent top draft picks. At the Elite 11 regionals, he reportedly blew away scouts with his velocity and ball placement, earning top performer honors and raising his national profile even further.
But while the accolades and rankings are impressive, what truly excites Tennessee fans is the idea that Brandon could be the next great Vols quarterback. After years of inconsistency at the position, the Vols have finally found stability and firepower under Heupel’s system—and Brandon represents the next chapter in that story.
Having someone like Dobbs throw his full support behind Brandon adds another layer of optimism. Dobbs understands what it means to wear the orange and white and knows the level of performance it takes to succeed in Knoxville. His endorsement isn’t based on hype or projection; it’s based on what he’s seen with his own eyes.
“He’s a baller,” Dobbs said simply. “If you’re a Tennessee fan, you should be excited.”
And excited they are. The buzz surrounding Brandon is only growing, and it’s not just because of highlight-reel throws or gaudy stats. It’s because he represents the kind of player Tennessee fans have been waiting for—a quarterback with the skill to dominate, the mindset to lead, and the heart to elevate an entire program.
As the 2025 recruiting cycle winds down and early enrollees start preparing for the next level, Brandon is already emerging as the face of the class. He’s the one other recruits want to play with. He’s the one fans are already talking about in message boards and barbershops. And he’s the one who just might lead the Vols back to the top of the SEC.
Of course, there’s still plenty of work to do. The transition from high school to college is never easy, especially in a league as demanding as the SEC. But if Faizon Brandon is everything that Dobbs says he is—and if he continues to grow under the guidance of Tennessee’s staff—then the future in Knoxville looks incredibly bright.
For now, Vol fans can rest easy knowing that one of their all-time great quarterbacks has given his stamp of approval to the next man up. And in a world where potential can sometimes be overhyped, Dobbs’ words carry a sobering, authentic tone: “He’s the real deal.”
