Scrimmage 2 Notes (Spring 2026)

[SayUWantAreVOLution]

We need iron to sharpen iron. He needs to earn the job. And we also need Faizon to get better and learn from his mistakes. Kid is still 17. I couldn’t imagine figuring out this offense at 17 while missing a lot of his senior year of HS

Reality is, we’re going to see both guys this season and both are just going to have to manage the game and make 3-5 key throws a game. Also, need our run game to pop and take pressure off the QBs.

I don't think Heupel will sub QBs in and out because his offense is killed by pre-snap penalties. Subbing QBs greatly increases the chance the offense makes pre-snap/slight count difference errors or executes slower.

There's a reason ones practice with ones most of the time. Creating a unit that knows the rhythm of the QB and the linemen and operates efficiently is crucial, especially if Heupel tries to run a lot of tempo.

 

[MDsweetT]

I don't think Heupel will sub QBs in and out because his offense is killed by pre-snap penalties. Subbing QBs greatly increases the chance the offense makes pre-snap/slight count difference errors or executes slower.

There's a reason ones practice with ones most of the time. Creating a unit that knows the rhythm of the QB and the linemen and operates efficiently is crucial, especially if Heupel tries to run a lot of tempo.

I was more meaning both will see playing time and will be critical for us in winning games. Whether that’s performance or injury (not wishing anything just reality with young QBs).

 

[TheVolsFrog]

Yep they said that very thing on the Thursday mailbag.

IMO that's not a good sign for GMac

 

[VOLINVONORE]

I heard Matthews was held out today.

On a side note, is there a player this fanbase hates more than Mike Matthews even though he’s a really good player? Bizarre.

 

[TheVolsFrog]

I was more meaning both will see playing time and will be critical for us in winning games. Whether that’s performance or injury (not wishing anything just reality with young QBs).

If both see playing time, it means we got up a bunch a points to bring other players in, 1 got hurt or 1 played so bad it was a lets see what the other got.
I don't think we're going to see the mixing of the QB's. You want to be consistent as much as possible with the QB/WR timing and the QB cadence on the line

 

[SayUWantAreVOLution]

I was more meaning both will see playing time and will be critical for us in winning games. Whether that’s performance or injury (not wishing anything just reality with young QBs).

Heupel isn't known for using his backup unless he absolutely must, hence we saw very little of G-Mac or Merk last year. In a best case scenario, we're up by 30 at the half...... I can see it, but Heupel is a hardcore one QB guy (to a fault some would say.)

 

[VOLfrombama]

The frustration with Mike is not just with drops, its drops in dire situations. He dropped a few sure TDs last year that could have changed the complexion of the game.

As far as Heup scoring regardless, I disagree. Points were at a premium against SEC competition with Milton and Nico.

in the 23 losses, UT scored 16 against Florida, 10 against Georgia, 7 against Missouri, and 20 against Bama. There were several wins with low scoring as well.

In the 24 losses, UT scored 14 against Arkansas, 17 against Georgia, and the 17 against OSU even though they were clearly the best team in CFB that season. They only eclipsed 30 once against SEC competition (Vandy). Non conference games were fine obviously.

In 25, the O with Aguilar made some strides so its easy to forget how many games were low scoring the previous two seasons when the O struggled to get over the goal line in league play that led to some bad losses. The D bailed them out in 24. Not so much in 23.

 

[MDsweetT]

Heupel isn't known for using his backup unless he absolutely must, hence we saw very little of G-Mac or Merk last year. In a best case scenario, we're up by 30 at the half...... I can see it, but Heupel is a hardcore one QB guy (to a fault some would say.)

No I get what you’re saying. I just think it’s unrealistic to expect either of these 2 to start EVERY game this season. And I’m not trying to be a Debbie downer.

For example, Brock Purdy missed 8 games with a turf toe injury and Mac Jones had to fill in. Brock was and is the entrenched starter. I hope one guy takes the reins and gets the bulk of the snaps but whether it’s through performance or injury, I do think both will start games this year.

I could be wrong and hopefully I am. Just a feeling.

 

[MDsweetT]

Heupel isn't known for using his backup unless he absolutely must, hence we saw very little of G-Mac or Merk last year. In a best case scenario, we're up by 30 at the half...... I can see it, but Heupel is a hardcore one QB guy (to a fault some would say.)

Oh for sure. I’m just going off a hunch that I think both players will start games or get meaningful opportunities in key moments and have to be ready. They’re only a play away from being the starter if the other doesn’t perform or goes down.

 

[TheVolsFrog]

No I get what you’re saying. I just think it’s unrealistic to expect either of these 2 to start EVERY game this season. And I’m not trying to be a Debbie downer.

For example, Brock Purdy missed 8 games with a turf toe injury and Mac Jones had to fill in. Brock was and is the entrenched starter. I hope one guy takes the reins and gets the bulk of the snaps but whether it’s through performance or injury, I do think both will start games this year.

I could be wrong and hopefully I am. Just a feeling.

Why is it unrealistic to expect either to start every game?
Milton did in '23 , Nico did is '24 and Joey did in '25 so I don't it's unreasonable to believe GMac or Fraizon will start every game. if they're QB1.
Yeah QB's get hurt it's football but more often than not they start the whole season. I'll even counter your Purdy with Dax, the guy who always got hurt started every game last season for the Cowboys.

What we want is for QB2 to be ready to be next man up

 

[SayUWantAreVOLution]

Oh for sure. I’m just going off a hunch that I think both players will start games or get meaningful opportunities in key moments and have to be ready. They’re only a play away from being the starter if the other doesn’t perform or goes down.

I get it but Heupel ain't that kind of coach.

On my worst days looking at film I'm concerned G-Mac might get snapped like a twig but I try to recall that these guys have been hit a lot to get to this point in football and the rules barely allow touching a QB now.

I just hope G-Mac doesn't try to truck anyone because he's definitely a Ford Ranger and not an F-350.

 

[MDsweetT]

Why is it unrealistic to expect either to start every game?
Milton did in '23 , Nico did is '24 and Joey did in '25 so I don't it's unreasonable to believe GMac or Fraizon will start every game. if they're QB1.
Yeah QB's get hurt it's football but more often than not they start the whole season. I'll even counter your Purdy with Dax, the guy who always got hurt started every game last season for the Cowboys.

What we want is for QB2 to be ready to be next man up

But Dak was also hurt in 2024 and missed 6ish games with a torn hamstring. Again, this is strictly a prediction of what I think is going to happen. Both are super young QBs and GMac still needs to put weight on. I just think both will end up starting games this year or being in a big spot while the other is either underperforming or injured.

I hope I’m 100% wrong and again, not wishing ill will on either QB.

 

[MDsweetT]

I get it but Heupel ain't that kind of coach.

On my worst days looking at film I'm concerned G-Mac might get snapped like a twig but I try to recall that these guys have been hit a lot to get to this point in football and the rules barely allow touching a QB now.

I just hope G-Mac doesn't try to truck anyone because he's definitely a Ford Ranger and not an F-350.

High school and the SEC are two totally different creatures but I hear you. GMac’s health will be worrisome just because of his frame and playing a collision sport. Faizon has a sturdy frame but is young and will make freshman mistakes. Either way, both have to be ready and I think we’ll need both to win games this year.

 

[PEPPERJAX]

- Faizon has 2 TDs and 1 pick six (Farooq). But he did tackle him into the end zone. Good hustle.
- Tim Merritt is having a huge spring!
- Xavier Gilliam is becoming a rock for our defense as is Nathan Robinson
- Chaz Coleman better be a gamer because Gass might steal some snaps from him.
- Baker running with authority
- Brame looks an NFL TE and is probably the fastest receiver we have next to Staley or King (TBD)
- Weathersby is ready as is Dye and we may see them together in packages.
- As I’ve told people EDRES FAROOQ is a baller and he will be an All - Conference type player this season
- WR had drops….
- No real burst from the RBs. They all run hard.
- safety’s are good as is CB.
-

PHANGERS!!!!!!!!!!! WAIT....UMM...LITTLEVOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[TheVolsFrog]

But Dak was also hurt in 2024 and missed 6ish games with a torn hamstring. Again, this is strictly a prediction of what I think is going to happen. Both are super young QBs and GMac still needs to put weight on. I just think both will end up starting games this year or being in a big spot while the other is either underperforming or injured.

I hope I’m 100% wrong and again, not wishing ill will on either QB.

I stated Dak was Mr. Get Hurt and that he started every game. QB's get hurt but I bet more start and play the whole season than not, I haven't looked so I cold be wrong

 

[VOLINVONORE]

High school and the SEC are two totally different creatures but I hear you. GMac’s health will be worrisome just because of his frame and playing a collision sport. Faizon has a sturdy frame but is young and will make freshman mistakes. Either way, both have to be ready and I think we’ll need both to win games this year.

Remember we have a lot of trolls on this board and they are very active.

 

[SayUWantAreVOLution]

High school and the SEC are two totally different creatures but I hear you. GMac’s health will be worrisome just because of his frame and playing a collision sport. Faizon has a sturdy frame but is young and will make freshman mistakes. Either way, both have to be ready and I think we’ll need both to win games this year.

I'm trying to get back on the G-Mac track but I became concerned when UT/Heupel seemed to have serious interest in Leavitt and likely a discussion with Ty Simpson also.

When Heupel was flirting with other SEC starters while having G-Mac and Faizon at home, I'm nervous that his faith in them might be less than 100%. If you're 100% all in on your QBs you probably don't need to take a visit from the eventual LSU starting QB and you certainly don't need to extend that visit by a day.

I'm trying to get behind G-Mac but hearing that Faizon is pushing him, and Faizon is still just a HS QB at this point in the Spring, is not making it easy.

 

[Vol865]

Drops are like turnovers. We remember the ones that have the biggest impact. Let’s say Joey threw a pick on a Hail Mary against Bama at the end of the half…no big deal. But a goal line pick six…that changed the entire game.

A drop on first and 10 isn’t ideal but when Matthews dropped that slant on 3rd down against Vandy, that was a major turning point in the game.

They also rememberwhat they want to remember. The playcalling was terrible on the 2 plays prior to the pick 6 and on that play. Who calls a play action pass with no legitimate receivers on the GL, when everyone knows you have to pass?

 

[Rickyvol77]

Drops are like turnovers. We remember the ones that have the biggest impact. Let’s say Joey threw a pick on a Hail Mary against Bama at the end of the half…no big deal. But a goal line pick six…that changed the entire game.

A drop on first and 10 isn’t ideal but when Matthews dropped that slant on 3rd down against Vandy, that was a major turning point in the game.

Exactly in the losses last year, it wasn't that we were that outmanned most of the time, it was the critical plays that weren't made in crunch times, especially against UGA, Bama, Vandy and Oklahoma...literally 2-3 plays that turned the entire games

 

[PlanetVolunteer]

We really need George to run away with the job. Doesn’t sound like he’s going to though

Why do we need that?

 

[cherokeeeVOL]

The overwhelming issue with last year's team IMO was a combination of horrendous defense and the team overall was soft. Hindsight is 20/20 but if the defense had been even marginally decent, I don't think there would be this much discussion about some WR drops.

 

[PlanetVolunteer]

I'm trying to get back on the G-Mac track but I became concerned when UT/Heupel seemed to have serious interest in Leavitt and likely a discussion with Ty Simpson also.

When Heupel was flirting with other SEC starters while having G-Mac and Faizon at home, I'm nervous that his faith in them might be less than 100%. If you're 100% all in on your QBs you probably don't need to take a visit from the eventual LSU starting QB and you certainly don't need to extend that visit by a day.

I'm trying to get behind G-Mac but hearing that Faizon is pushing him, and Faizon is still just a HS QB at this point in the Spring, is not making it easy.

Or Faizon is just going to be a complete stud.

This is still why it was absolute bs our own judge ruled against Joey.

If he had been a proper degenerate like the Ole Miss Judge

We would have a tumorless top passer in the SEC with a second full year in the system. A guy that will be in the NFL next year. Along with this improved defense and weapons around him.

But nah, now we got two freshman starting against a 9 game SEC schedule. Going up against several veteran QB's on teams with as much or more talented players than we do. Sigh...

 

[vols40]

I heard Matthews was held out today.

On a side note, is there a player this fanbase hates more than Mike Matthews even though he’s a really good player? Bizarre.

Fanbases everywhere hate people who appear ungrateful. Matthews has definitely at times while here seemed ungrateful.

 

[SayUWantAreVOLution]

Or Faizon is just going to be a complete stud.

This is still why it was absolute bs our own judge ruled against Joey.

If he had been a proper degenerate like the Ole Miss Judge

We would have a tumorless top passer in the SEC with a second full year in the system. A guy that will be in the NFL next year. Along with this improved defense and weapons around him.

But nah, now we got two freshman starting against a 9 game SEC schedule. Going up against several veteran QB's on teams with as much or more talented players than we do. Sigh...

I think Faizon is going to be extremely good but it's very hard to be an SEC starter as a true freshman. Yes, I know, I know, there are examples but it's not the norm.

As for Joey, he lacked the crap excuse of a "missed medical redshirt" Chambliss used and had to go with "JUCO just shouldn't count" which was a harder row to hoe. If Chambliss had used the same "JUCO just shouldn't count" argument, I'll bet he loses too.

It's one thing for a judge to essentially overturn a single NCAA "denied medical redshirt" for one player but an entirely different thing for a judge to rule "JUCO shouldn't count" which would've opened the door for lots of players to ask for another year. I know Joey tried to frame his case as "just for this one player named Joey A" but there was no way his argument wasn't about JUCO not counting for any JUCO player.

 

[LittleVol]

I’ve been more critical of Matthews than anyone. He had way more than 6 drops. I stopped counting at 10. You can always look it up in game summary of each game and then Talley.

With that said, Mike is beast at blocking and he’s tough. Big play waiting to happen with him. He loves Tennessee.

This is a big year for he and Staley. Hes had inconsistent hands since HS. That’s in the past now, and hopefully he can continue to raise his level of consistency. Nobody is perfect. And we all want Mike to maximize his talent.
- 90 yards in 2024
- 800 yards in 2025

You have to like that trajectory.