The excitement surrounding the Tennessee Volunteers as they prepare for the upcoming college football season has been momentarily overshadowed by a mix-up regarding the team’s promotional materials. Freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon has officially been named the starter for the Volunteers, yet the First Horizon Bank's 2026 schedule poster features sophomore George MacIntyre instead.
This poster, which was shared by the Vol Network on social media platform X on September 2, showcases several key figures from the Tennessee football program. Alongside MacIntyre, the poster includes head coach Josh Heupel, running back DeSean Bishop, linebacker Arion Carter, wide receiver Braylon Staley, and defensive back Ty Redmond. Fans can obtain these posters for free at various locations across East Tennessee, from Chattanooga to the Tri-Cities, while supplies last.
The error did not go unnoticed by the fans and followers of Tennessee football, sparking discussions and reactions on social media. The Volunteers, ranked No. 18 in the nation, are set to kick off their season against Furman on September 5 at Neyland Stadium, with the game scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. ET, broadcasted on SEC Network+.
Brandon's selection as the starting quarterback came just nine days prior to the poster's release, on August 24, following a competitive preseason battle for the position. Given the timing, it is likely that the design for the poster was finalized before Brandon was officially named the starter. This assumption is further supported by the fact that the poster was unveiled shortly after First Horizon was announced as the sponsor for Tennessee football's jersey patch.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in the program's history, as it is the first-ever sponsored jersey patch for the Volunteers, valued at an impressive $120 million over the next decade. In addition to football, First Horizon Bank will also sponsor jersey patches for various Olympic sports, reinforcing their long-standing commitment to supporting the University of Tennessee, a relationship that has lasted for 34 years.
As the Volunteers gear up for their season opener, the focus will undoubtedly shift back to the field, but the mix-up with the promotional poster serves as a reminder of the excitement and anticipation that surrounds college football. With a new starting quarterback at the helm and a strong roster, Tennessee fans are eager to see how the season unfolds.
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