RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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No. 18 Tennessee will open its 2026 football season on Sept. 5 against Furman. Kickoff between the Vols and Paladins is slated for 3:30 p.m. EDT at Neyland Stadium (SEC Network+).
Freshman Faizon Brandon was named Tennessee's starting quarterback for the season opener.
He earned the Vols' starting quarterback position after competing with sophomore George MacIntyre . Brandon is Tennessee's first true freshman quarterback to start a season opener since Brent Schaeffer in 2004.
Schaeffer was the first SEC true freshman quarterback to start a season opener since freshman eligibility was restored in 1973.
Against UNLV on Sept. 5. 2004, he completed 7-of-10 passing attempts for 123 yards and one touchdown. Schaeffer also recorded 29 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown in Tennessee's, 42-17, victory at Neyland Stadium.
Freshman quarterback Erik Ainge also appeared in the 2004 season opener for Tennessee. He completed 10-of-17 passing attempts for 118 yards and two touchdowns.
Cedric Houston led the Vols in rushing yards (97), while C.J. Fayton led Tennessee in receiving yards (51).
Indianapolis head coach and UNLV quarterback Shane Steichen appeared in the contest. He did not complete his only passing attempt. Kurt Nantkes started for UNLV and totaled 175 passing yards.
Schaeffer played one season for the Vols and appeared in eight games, completing 18-of-37 passing attempts for 302 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
More: Josh Heupel details naming Faizon Brandon Vols' starting quarterback
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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: 2004 Tennessee-UNLV: Brent Schaeffer starts as freshman quarterback
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