LSU's 2026 schedule is among the toughest in the country. The month of November is especially challenging, as the Tigers host Alabama and Texas in consecutive weeks to start the month before finishing the regular season with back-to-back road games at Tennessee and Arkansas.
LSU eyeing blockbuster flip of No. 1 QB in the country committed to SEC rival
The matchup against the Volunteers on November 21 in Knoxville already has plenty of intriguing storylines to follow. It will mark Lane Kiffin's second return to Neyland Stadium since he abruptly left the Tennessee program after just one season in 2010. He previously returned to Knoxville as the head coach at Ole Miss on October 16, 2021, and led the Rebels to a 31-26 victory.
Kiffin and the Tigers are also unsure about which Volunteer quarterback they will be facing. Joey Aguilar's request for a preliminary injunction and another year of eligibility was denied on Friday, leaving Tennessee's quarterback situation for 2026 up in the air.
BREAKING: Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar's request for a preliminary injunction, giving him another season of eligibility, was denied in court Friday, @clowfb reports❌ https://t.co/L7zbr8RyWJ pic.twitter.com/IUC4OqatKF
— On3 (@On3) February 20, 2026
LSU vs Tennessee QB matchup remains unknown
Aguilar can continue to fight against the NCAA for another season of eligibility, but for now it seems that his collegiate career is done. That leaves Josh Heupel's team with a unique quarterback battle.
Heupel landed former Colorado QB Ryan Staub in the portal, but he will most likely be a depth piece for the Volunteer QB room. The battle for the starting job will most likely be between redshirt freshman George MacIntyre and incoming freshman Faizon Brandon. MacIntyre may have a leg up in the competition, as he spent this past season in the system and even saw some playing time by throwing for 69 yards in two appearances.
Brandon comes to Knoxville as a 5-star recruit and the No. 3 quarterback in the 2026 recruiting class. He has plenty of elite potential, and although he may not have a year in the system like MacIntyre, it wouldn't be surprising to see Brandon see the field as a true freshman in 2026.
Heupel tried to land Leavitt through the portal, but Kiffin and LSU ultimately prevailed in his recruitment. That competition adds another interesting dimension to November's matchup between the Tigers and Volunteers. No matter who the Volunteers go with, the Tigers have to be plenty confident in their ability come out on top with Leavitt leading the offense.