Alabama football, led by head coach Kalen DeBoer, is still searching for its quarterback in the 2026 recruiting cycle. Despite the challenge of landing a top-tier QB after securing 5-star Keelon Russell in 2025, the Crimson Tide is reportedly making a strong push to flip Tennessee commit Faizon Brandon.
According to On3’s Tennessee affiliate, Volquest, Alabama is actively recruiting Brandon, a 5-star prospect ranked as the No. 1 overall player in the 2026 class by 247Sports. Despite this, Brandon has reiterated his commitment to the Volunteers.
“LSU and Alabama both continue to recruit me heavily,” Brandon stated. “But I let them know I’m 100 percent locked in. I won’t break any bonds or burn any bridges, though. I still want to maintain relationships because you never know what can happen. But I tell them I’m locked in with Tennessee.”
In today’s recruiting landscape, verbal commitments often hold little weight, making Alabama’s continued pursuit of Brandon significant. The fact that he acknowledges their interest suggests the Crimson Tide remains a contender.
Brandon’s path to early playing time appears more favorable at Tennessee than Alabama. With Vols QB Nico Iamaleava potentially entering the 2026 NFL Draft, Tennessee could provide a quicker route to a starting role. Meanwhile, Alabama’s 2025 signee, Keelon Russell, is expected to take over in 2026 and could hold the job for multiple seasons, potentially delaying opportunities for another young QB until 2028.
If NIL money plays a role in Brandon’s decision, Tennessee has already demonstrated its willingness to invest, as seen with Iamaleava’s recruitment. However, Alabama’s continued pursuit suggests they believe they still have a shot at flipping one of the nation’s top talents.
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