Joey Halzle Offers Insight Into Vols Quarterback Battle
(utsports.com) Tennessee offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Joey Halzle met with the media Tuesday after the Vols’ second spring practice of 2026, providing insight into a competitive and developing quarterback battle featuring George MacIntyre, Faizon Brandon and Ryan Staub.
Halzle emphasized a balanced approach for his signal callers as they begin to compete for the starting role this spring.
“The biggest thing is you can’t play tight trying not to make a mistake. That’s not how a job is won,” Halzle said. “You have to go cut it loose … play really hard, play really fast. But then, let’s be aggressive with the ball, not reckless with the ball.”
MacIntyre has taken noticeable steps forward entering his second year in the system, both physically and in his approach to the opportunity in front of him.
“There’s just a different animal when there’s now not a starter sitting in front of you, and it’s wide open,” Halzle said. “There’s that different intensity, there’s that different kind of sense of urgency when (MacIntyre is) walking around the building.”
Brandon, an early enrollee, has already shown the physical traits needed to compete at a high level, while continuing to grow within the system as a true freshman.
“With (Brandon), he is physically ready,” Halzle said. “He’s a big, strong kid. He could handle what it would take to go play 17 games in this conference.”
Staub arrived on Rocky Top after three seasons at Colorado. The Los Angeles native adds experience and a strong feel for the position, particularly in the passing game.
“(Staub) does a really good job at extending plays,” Halzle said. “He shops windows, he feels timing, he understands all that. He’s a highly intelligent kid … you can put the offense on him and let him go.”
As the competition unfolds, Halzle noted that processing speed remains a key factor in separating the group.
“It’s really about the ability to process,” Halzle said. “How quickly can you process new information and make a decision without getting paralysis by analysis on it?”
Tennessee will return to the field Thursday morning first its third practice of the 2026 spring semester. Full comments from Halzle’s Tuesday availability can be viewed below.
