Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel announced that sophomore quarterback George MacIntyre will start in the upcoming clash with No. 6 Alabama. The decision comes after MacIntyre stepped in for freshman Faizon Brandon during the second quarter of the 24‑14 win over Auburn and then earned his first start against Arkansas.
Recent performances
Against Auburn, MacIntyre completed eight of ten passes for 86 yards, helping the team pull ahead in the second half. A week later, he threw for 247 yards and a touchdown on 18‑of‑29 passing, though he also recorded two interceptions while Brandon recovered from a shoulder injury.
Heupel praised MacIntyre’s poise, saying, “He did a really good job in some adverse situations… it was a winning performance by him ultimately.” The coach emphasized that the game will hinge on “the finest of details,” noting a crucial fumble just before halftime that tested the young quarterback’s composure.
MacIntyre’s background
MacIntyre, a 6‑foot‑6, 208‑pound athlete from Brentwood Academy in Brentwood, Tennessee, was a four‑star recruit in the 2025 class. He was ranked No. 151 nationally, No. 13 among all positions, and No. 2 in the state. The quarterback fielded 36 offers from programs including Tennessee, Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt and Notre Dame.
Game details
The rivalry game is set for Saturday, October 17, with kickoff at 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC. Alabama will travel to Neyland Stadium in Knoxville for the contest.
Alabama’s media relations are handled by Wyatt Fulton, the Tide’s 100.9 DME and brand manager, who can be followed on X at @FultonW_ for additional coverage.
Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.
