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Peyton Manning said he's a big fan of George MacIntyre, but he's not choosing a side in the ongoing Tennessee quarterback competition.
MacIntyre is serving as a camp counselor at the Manning Passing Academy, but he was not made available to interviews. Manning, however, spoke briefly to the USA TODAY Network on June 26 about MacIntyre, who is battling five-star freshman Faizon Brandon for the Vols' starting quarterback spot.
"I'm a big fan of George. I knew George when he was coming out of high school, and I'm always trying to be a resource to our Tennessee quarterbacks," Manning said. "He's a great kid. He's a hard worker. And I'm looking forward to watching his career."
Manning's relationship with MacIntyre dates back to at least Tennessee's epic win over Alabama in 2022. At that time, MacIntyre was a sophomore quarterback at Brentwood Academy and one of the nation's top quarterback recruits. Manning was a Vols legend savoring a long-awaited win over the Crimson Tide.
Manning and MacIntyre shared a moment in the Tennessee locker room while Manning smoked a victory cigar. They've talked frequently ever since, and MacIntyre has called Manning a major influence on his career.
“I’m very grateful for me and Peyton’s relationship,” MacIntyre said in January 2024 after committing to Tennessee. “He’s said a lot of good things and helped me out a lot in my recruiting process for sure.”
Manning spoke highly of MacIntyre, who worked at his passing camp in Louisiana that features some of college football's best quarterbacks.
It's the 30th year of the Manning Passing Academy, which is run by Peyton, Eli and Archie Manning as the first family of quarterbacks. This year's field is loaded with talent, headlined by Texas' Arch Manning (Peyton's nephew), Ole Miss' Trinidad Chambliss, Notre Dame's CJ Carr, Georgia's Gunner Stockton, Oklahoma's John Mateer, Ohio State's Julian Sayin and many more.
But those quarterbacks are proven at the college level. MacIntyre is not. He was a touted recruit, but he attempted only nine passes and played 18 snaps last season.
Brandon was the No. 3 quarterback in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports Composite. But he enrolled in January and therefore hasn't played in college at all.
Notably, Manning has also spoken to Brandon numerous times, including a conversation at Neyland Stadium before the Vols' game against Georgia in 2025. By that time, Brandon had been committed to the Vols for more than a year, and Manning's attention only helped to solidify his decision.
MacIntyre and Brandon finished spring practice in a tight race. Coach Josh Heupel said it will extend into preseason practice, which begins Aug. 5.
Manning is taking a diplomatic approach to the competition. He isn't picking a favorite. He just wants Tennessee's quarterback to succeed.
"I've had several conversations with George. I was in Knoxville a few weeks ago and sat down and had a visit with (MacIntyre)," Manning said. "I'm pulling for him and Faizon and always going to pull for my alma mater. I just try to be a resource to all these quarterbacks, let them kind of reach out to me, and just tell them I'm pulling for them."
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email [email protected]. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing atknoxnews.com/subscribe.
Get the latest news and insight on SEC football by subscribing to the SEC Unfiltered newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: What Peyton Manning said about Tennessee QBs, George MacIntyre vs Faizon Brandon
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MacIntyre is serving as a camp counselor at the Manning Passing Academy, but he was not made available to interviews. Manning, however, spoke briefly to the USA TODAY Network on June 26 about MacIntyre, who is battling five-star freshman Faizon Brandon for the Vols' starting quarterback spot.
"I'm a big fan of George. I knew George when he was coming out of high school, and I'm always trying to be a resource to our Tennessee quarterbacks," Manning said. "He's a great kid. He's a hard worker. And I'm looking forward to watching his career."
Manning's relationship with MacIntyre dates back to at least Tennessee's epic win over Alabama in 2022. At that time, MacIntyre was a sophomore quarterback at Brentwood Academy and one of the nation's top quarterback recruits. Manning was a Vols legend savoring a long-awaited win over the Crimson Tide.
Manning and MacIntyre shared a moment in the Tennessee locker room while Manning smoked a victory cigar. They've talked frequently ever since, and MacIntyre has called Manning a major influence on his career.
“I’m very grateful for me and Peyton’s relationship,” MacIntyre said in January 2024 after committing to Tennessee. “He’s said a lot of good things and helped me out a lot in my recruiting process for sure.”
Peyton Manning keeps in touch with George MacIntyre, Faizon Brandon
Manning spoke highly of MacIntyre, who worked at his passing camp in Louisiana that features some of college football's best quarterbacks.
It's the 30th year of the Manning Passing Academy, which is run by Peyton, Eli and Archie Manning as the first family of quarterbacks. This year's field is loaded with talent, headlined by Texas' Arch Manning (Peyton's nephew), Ole Miss' Trinidad Chambliss, Notre Dame's CJ Carr, Georgia's Gunner Stockton, Oklahoma's John Mateer, Ohio State's Julian Sayin and many more.
But those quarterbacks are proven at the college level. MacIntyre is not. He was a touted recruit, but he attempted only nine passes and played 18 snaps last season.
Brandon was the No. 3 quarterback in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports Composite. But he enrolled in January and therefore hasn't played in college at all.
Notably, Manning has also spoken to Brandon numerous times, including a conversation at Neyland Stadium before the Vols' game against Georgia in 2025. By that time, Brandon had been committed to the Vols for more than a year, and Manning's attention only helped to solidify his decision.
What Manning said about Vols quaterback competition
MacIntyre and Brandon finished spring practice in a tight race. Coach Josh Heupel said it will extend into preseason practice, which begins Aug. 5.
Manning is taking a diplomatic approach to the competition. He isn't picking a favorite. He just wants Tennessee's quarterback to succeed.
"I've had several conversations with George. I was in Knoxville a few weeks ago and sat down and had a visit with (MacIntyre)," Manning said. "I'm pulling for him and Faizon and always going to pull for my alma mater. I just try to be a resource to all these quarterbacks, let them kind of reach out to me, and just tell them I'm pulling for them."
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email [email protected]. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing atknoxnews.com/subscribe.
Get the latest news and insight on SEC football by subscribing to the SEC Unfiltered newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: What Peyton Manning said about Tennessee QBs, George MacIntyre vs Faizon Brandon
Continue reading...
