Josh Heupel and Tennessee got the 2026 season off to a fast start, as the Volunteers defeated Furman, 56-9, on Saturday. Faizon Brandon became the first true freshman to start at Tennessee since 2004, and he delivered in a big way by finishing 13 of 17 for 226 yards and three touchdowns.
Afer the game, Heupel gave game balls out to the guys who stood out and had big games.
The first game ball went to Xavier Gilliam, who finished the game with six tackles and three sacks. After spending his first two seasons at Penn State, he delivered an incredible performance in his first game at Tennessee.
Up next was Brandon, who, alongside the great day passing, had another 68 yards rushing and two more touchdowns for five in his first-ever game.
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Brandon’s top target on the day was Mike Matthews, who finished with four catches for 132 yards and two touchdowns. That third performance earned him the third and final game ball for the Volunteers.
For Week 1, the Volunteers did a lot of good things. The schedule gets tougher in Week 2, as the Volunteers hit the road to take on a Georgia Tech team that is coming off a loss. Looking good at home is one thing, but a road test for a true freshman quarterback is a much more difficult task.
