Byrum Brown, a standout quarterback from the University of South Florida (USF), has announced his intention to enter the college football transfer portal following a successful season with the Bulls. This decision comes on the heels of his head coach, Alex Golesh, moving to Auburn, where he previously served as Tennessee’s offensive coordinator.
While early speculation suggests that Brown may reunite with Golesh at Auburn, the situation is still fluid, and multiple programs are likely to express interest in the talented quarterback. If Brown does transition to Auburn, he would face Tennessee on October 3, 2026, in Knoxville, marking their second SEC clash of the season. This matchup would see several former Tennessee coaches, including Golesh and Tim Banks, returning to their old stomping grounds.
Brown had an impressive season at USF, amassing 3,158 passing yards, throwing for 28 touchdowns while only tossing seven interceptions. Additionally, his versatility was showcased through his rushing stats, as he accumulated 1,008 yards and scored 14 touchdowns on the ground. As he prepares for his fifth college football season, Brown will be looking to make the most of his final year of eligibility, after spending four years at USF and starting all three seasons under Golesh despite missing significant time during the 2024 season due to injury.
For Tennessee, the picture at the quarterback position for 2026 remains uncertain. Joey Aguilar is currently navigating eligibility issues that may prevent his return, and the roster also includes redshirt-freshman George MacIntyre and true freshman Faizon Brandon. With Jake Merklinger entering the transfer portal, the Vols might explore options in the transfer market. Head coach Josh Heupel has previously found success with experienced quarterbacks, and there are numerous candidates available that could bolster Tennessee’s lineup.
The potential for Brown to square off against Tennessee adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming season, keeping fans eagerly anticipating the developments in the transfer portal and the Vols’ quarterback situation.